The Best Cars of 2016

The SLC is a replacement for the long-serving SLK – as well as one of the last models to join Mercedes’ new naming scheme. Although the original SLK was something of a disappointment when it arrived 20 years ago, the folding hard-top eventually morphed into a classy two-seater with genuine sporting credentials.

Those searching for hairy-chested handling characteristics will be disappointed – the V8  SLK55 AMG is no more and Mercedes even offer a diesel version.

However, look beyond the 0-60mph figures and the SLC is a desirable, easy to live with convertible, with prices from £30,000. It’s very much an everyday drive and not just for weekend blasts in the country.

My choice would be the SLC 43 – the V6 turbo alternative to the normally aspirated 55 AMG. Sure, it doesn’t serve up the power like it’s predecessor but armed with a 9-speed gearbox and assorted drive modes, the top spec SLC is a sports car you can live with seven days a week. For more info, see: mercedes-benz.co.uk

Few cars will divide opinion like the 4C. It’s the proverbial Marmite car – one man’s pleasure, another man’s poison. The Alfa will frustrate, annoy and confound you. But like a supermodel who spends all the housekeeping on a new fur coat and lingerie, you will always forgive in the end.

That’s because the 4C is the catwalk queen of the convertible market. It makes the Porsche Boxster look like a Plain Jane and rasps excessively noisy tailpipes at the Audi TT RS.

Just one peep at those headlight clusters will have you drooling. A lightweight carbon fibre tub bolted to a potent 1700cc turbo makes for serious fun – easily enough to ignore the 4C’s failings.

These include an unrefined interior, hard seats and unassisted steering that seems to allow the car to ‘track’ around on cambered of deeply rutted roads. It’s not a relaxing car and noise levels make the stereo redundant.

But for all its failings – including a £60,000 price tag – the 4C manages to turn every drive into an occasion. And what better reason is there than that to own a sports car? For more info, see: alfaromeo.co.uk

There’s very little about the RS7 to suggest it is anything other than a sporty coupe for grown ups. This executive Audi is just the right size for people who have outgrown the TT – or need to stow a pushchair or two in the boot.

With the optional £6,575 Performance pack, there is very little change out of £93,000. You could buy a diesel version for less than half the price too but it wouldn’t be half as much fun.

That’s because Audi has shoehorned a mighty 4.0-ltre V8 under the bonnet to create a fantastically rapid family car. How fast? 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds fast. Plus it features permanent four-wheel drive and an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox.

This is a genuine Porsche beater and the burbling exhaust pipes are the only clue as to the enormous power on tap. Drive it sedately on the school run – let rip on the weekend.

Sportback styling looks a little tired these days but who cares when you have such vast performance available at the press of a button. For more info, see: audi.co.uk

The X5M seems to defy the laws of physics…

A large SUV that blasts to 60mph in 4.2 seconds and handles like a sports car is something to behold – and BMW has got it just about right with this latest version.

You might expect something special for £90,000 but BMW has infused the X5M with sharp handling, brutal styling and a popping exhaust system to rival a Maserati.

Critics point out the X5M is almost twice the price of the X5 40d M Sport – a very impressive car of equal proportions. But it’s a 575bhp, 4.4-litre turbo engine that makes all the difference.

A Porsche 911 might be more fun – a Range Rover better off-road. The X5M is a master mix that will delight those who are looking for the perfect all-rounder. For more info, see: bmw.co.uk

Like it or not, plug-in electric hybrids (PHEVs) will become mainstream much sooner than pure electric vehicles (EVs). Land Rover is already working on a future plug-in drivetrain but for now, a V6 diesel hybrid is the only option in their class-leading SUV.

The Range Rover isn’t noted for its green credentials but in theory, you can squeeze 44mpg from the Hybrid. Realistically, mid-30s is more likely and any true savings over a standard diesel are meagre.

Even so, thanks to the Range Rover’s lightweight construction, combining an electric motor to the 3.0-litre engine gives it a very respectable turn of speed.

In long-wheelbase form and Autobiography trim, the Range Rover Hybrid will sting you for £110,000. It’s as luxurious as any other model and the cabin is a masterclass of refinement.

The latest Range Rover is still the best off-roader, too. A benchmark with green credentials – it doesn’t get much better. For more info, see: landrover.co.uk

Big Volvo saloons – they’re as comfy as a favourite armchair and just as safe. The problem is nobody buys a Volvo for fun. Instead, they are reliable, roomy and more practical than a Swiss Army knife.

BMW, Audi and Mercedes saloons are tough to beat and the Swedes have long needed something special to beat the Germans at their own game. Enter the S90, a premium four-door that’s rather special.

Cavernous inside, the Volvo has a dreamy dashboard cut from leather and wood that is fabulous to behold.

The seats are wonderful, standard equipment levels are high and the S90 is also loaded with technology.

I admit it’s not the most engaging drive but with prices from £32,500, S90 looks like an absolute bargain compared to equivalent German models. Plus, you are driving something that little bit different. For more info, see: volvocars.com

A modest, mid-size SUV made in Korea might not seem like a contender for this list. However, the ix35 Fuel Cell is one of the most important vehicles you will probably never drive.

The world’s first, mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell car is the result of almost 20 years research into ultra-green transport. Fill it with gas, press the start button and the only emissions for 360 miles is water vapour.

Honda and Toyota have prepared rival options, while more hydrogen filling stations are on the way too. But therein lies the problem – the infrastructure isn't yet in place for most drivers to consider a Fuel Cell as a practical choice.

The Hyundai offering is pricey at £53,000 and not that pretty but it’s almost worth it just to drive a bit of the future now. And hydrogen is coming – remember how plug-in electric took time to spread? Now there are charging points everywhere.

Some 200 ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles have just been sold to a taxi company in Paris. Silent, clean and capable of long distance journeys, one day you will be driving a fuel cell car too. For more info, see: hyundai.co.uk