5-star cars for less than £30,000
A £30k budget will get you some of the best cars on sale – but there are also 5-star cars available for a lot less than that...
Mazda's Skyactiv efficiency technology has given the CX-5 some of the lowest CO2 emissions and highest fuel economy figures in the large SUV class. Plus, the CX-5 is practical, well equipped and enjoyable to drive. True, its interior could be made from more desirable materials, but this car is otherwise hard to fault.
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Executive car
Audi A4
Price from: £27,300 Our pick: 3.0 TDI Sport S Tronic
The latest Audi A4 is hard to fault in almost every area, and that's why we named it our 2016 Car of the Year. As you'd expect, the interior is luxurious and beautifully laid out, with practical rear seats and a spacious boot. Plus, the A4 is quieter and more comfortable than most executive cars, and even the entry-level engine is strong.
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Skoda Superb
Price from: £22,555 Our pick: 2.0 TDI SE Technology
The latest Skoda Superb is every bit a match for some of the more premium-badged cars on this list. It's stylish and comfortable, and despite being a compact executive car offers a massive amount of space inside.
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Coupé
Audi TT Coupé
Price from: £27,585 Our pick: 2.0 TFSI Sport
The original Audi TT might have been a stunner, but it wasn’t particularly sparkling in the corners. By contrast, the latest version is as good to drive as it is to gawp at, and it has a high-tech interior made from sumptuous materials that wouldn’t look out of place in a luxury car. The TT is even reasonably practical, with an easy-to-access boot and rear seats that fold flat.
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Best sports cars 2024 – plus the one to avoid
If you want ultimate driving thrills, you need a sports car, but the best can do more than simply go fast
