What Car? Best Buys - Compact Executives

Here's our pick of the best models on sale in every class, but you can find our full overview of new and used compact executive cars by clicking here.

1. BMW 320D ES
Price £24,255 Target Price£22,612
BMW sells the 320d by the barnful. Maybe it's because it makes such a great company car - 20% benefit-in-kind tax; near-50mpg touring economy; 52% retained value after three years.

Maybe it's because the BMW has such a great image. Or perhaps it's down to the car's unimpeachable driving credentials, fine build quality and practical interior.

Whatever, the 320d is the pick of the current crop of compact executive cars, even if it is slightly overpriced and under-equipped.
What Car? Full Verdict

2. Mercedes-Benz C180 SE Price £22,937 Target price £21,718 The petrol engine in the cheapest new C-Class has more power than the previous entry-level model. That means it delivers livelier performance, but has only slightly higher CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. It's also roomier, better built and sharper to drive. What Car? Full Verdict

3. Audi RS4 Price £51,030 Target Price £51,030 Who says Audi can't make cars that ride and handle well? With a 4.2-litre V8, a revised four-wheel-drive system and a heavily modified chassis, the RS4 is not only the best-handling A4, but also the sweetest in which to ride. You get supercar pace for a reasonable price, too, as well as the usual A4 cabin quality, space and excellent safety provision. What Car? Full Verdict

A different perspective
Saab 9-31.9 TiD 120 Airflow
Price £19,465 Target Price£18.058
Low CO2 emissions of 147g/km and good fuel economy make this Saab a winner.
What Car? Full Verdict

Lifestyle choice
BMW 318d ES
Price £23,090 Target Price£21,527
More power yet reduced carbon dioxide emissions and superb fuel efficiency.
What Car? Full Verdict

The Top Five... for range on a tankful
1 Audi A4 1.9 TDI 764 miles
2 Audi A4 2.0 TDI 750 miles
3 Saab 9-3 TiD 711 miles
4 Jaguar X-type 2.0 D 675 miles
5 Mercedes C200 672 miles

What Car? Group Test August '07
Audi A4 BMW 3 Series Lexus IS Mercedes C-Class
For a copy, call our Library on 08456 777814.