Peugeot 308 SW

Peugeot 408

Peugeot 5008

Peugeot 208

Peugeot e-Rifter

Peugeot Rifter

la-motor-show-2017-–-our-star-cars

Estate

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

3008

The annual Los Angeles motor show is the last chance for car makers to show off their new products this year. 
Although most of the new cars on display in LA aren't destined to be sold in the UK &ndash;&nbsp;the show is more of a stomping ground for American manufacturers &ndash; there are a few which will make it to our shores. 
Among the new models on display in LA are the new Jeep Wrangler SUV, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/i8/coupe/review/n136">BMW's i8</a> Roadster and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/cls/coupe/review/n146">Mercedes' CLS</a> luxury coup&eacute;.
Click through this slideshow to see our pick of the new models on show.

LA motor show 2017 – our star cars

Coupe

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

BMW&rsquo;s open-top version of its <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/i8/coupe/review/n136">i8 sports car</a> has been a long time coming &ndash;&nbsp;it was first unveiled as a concept car back in 2012, with an updated concept being shown in 2016.

BMW i8 Roadster

The new i8 Roadster convertible features a fabric roof which can open in 15 seconds, at speeds of up to 31mph, with other styling tweaks &ndash; such as the deletion of any rear side windows and a redesigned rear screen which doubles as a wind deflector &ndash;&nbsp;focused on strengthening the car.

Its petrol-electric powertrain has also been updated and now produces 369bhp &ndash; well up on the old car&rsquo;s 228bhp. It can now reach 62mph from a standing start in 4.6 seconds, and can travel on electric power alone for up to 33 miles.
Inside, there&rsquo;s the same touchscreen-based version of BMW&rsquo;s iDrive infotainment and navigation system that you&rsquo;ll find in the latest <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">5 Series</a>.

An updated version of the regular i8 coup&eacute; is on show, too, featuring the same power improvements and mildly updated looks.
No prices have been announced, but the current i8 coup&eacute; is priced from &pound;106,310.
<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/i8/coupe/review/n136">Read our full BMW i8 review &gt;</a>

Saloon

3 SERIES

Genesis is Hyundai's luxury sub-brand, and the G70 is intended as a rival to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/saloon/review/n70">Mercedes C-Class</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a4/saloon/review/n105">Audi A4</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">BMW 3 Series</a>.
It's not due to arrive in the UK until 2021, though, because Genesis is focusing on growing its brand in other markets including Korea, the US and China.

Genesis G70

When the G70 does go on sale, buyers will be able to choose from three turbocharged engines, including a 3.3-litre V6 petrol, a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel. Four-wheel drive will also be offered on some models, although the car is natively rear-wheel drive. It also shared a number of components with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/stinger/saloon/review/n177">Kia Stinger</a>.

Inside, the G70 features a free-standing infotainment screen and leather seats. It's likely to be offered with the kind of driving aids &ndash; including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking &ndash; buyers in this market would expect to find on its German competition.

Genesis is also planning to introduce a three-strong range of premium SUVs, with the first due to be revealed at the New York motor show next April.
<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">Read our full BMW 3 Series review &gt;</a>

Hatchback

Infiniti is to Nissan what Lexus is to Toyota: the premium arm of a mainstream car maker.

Infiniti’s current model range includes the Q30 hatchback, Q50 executive saloon and Q60 coupé, all of which go head to head with cars from the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. There’s also the QX30, a small SUV.

The brand has so far struggled to make a big impact on British buyers due to high prices, but most of the time that’s partially offset by a long list of standard equipment.

Future plans include a new range of electric vehicles and a smart petrol engine that is said to offer diesel-like fuel economy.

INFINITI

QX30

The Infiniti QX50 has a big task ahead of it &ndash; namely taking on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q5/4x4/review/n41">Audi Q5</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x3/4x4/review/n42">BMW X3</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/glc/estate/review/n17345">Mercedes GLC</a> in the thriving premium family SUV market. And considering that most of Infiniti&rsquo;s range doesn&rsquo;t score very well on our road test, that&rsquo;s a big ask indeed.

Infiniti QX50

To help it succeed, the QX50 has been given a new petrol engine which features a variable compression ratio &ndash; thus helping it to run more efficiently than other petrols, although no fuel economy figures have been released.
The new 2.0-litre engine produces 268bhp and 280lb ft of torque, giving the QX50 enough pulling power to reach 60mph from a standing start in 6.3sec.

Inside, there&rsquo;s a new head-up display to put the most vital information in front of the driver, a smaller display between the speedometer and rev counter diesel, and two touchscreen on the centre console to control navigation and other apps respectively.

Among the QX50's features is Propilot Assist, which can control the car's acceleration, braking and steering in a single lane on the motorway, including bringing the car to a complete stop. Other safety technology includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and a lane departure warning.
The QX50 will come to the UK late next year, with prices expected to start from around &pound;35,000.
<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/infiniti/qx30/hatchback/review/n17183">Read our full review of the Infiniti QX30 &gt;</a>

Jeep only makes SUVs, but it has plenty of them for you to choose from. So, whether you want something rugged enough to ford streams and climb mountains, or a more luxurious and family-friendly car, it has something to suit you.

Despite its all-American image, Jeep is actually owned by Fiat, meaning Jeeps often share parts with cars from the Italian giant; the entry-level Renegade, for example, has plenty in common with Fiat’s 500X.

However, perhaps the most widely recognised Jeep is the Wrangler, a model that has a dedicated fan base and which closely resembles the original Jeep which saw service in World War 2.

The brand’s future plans include new small and large SUVs, plus the introduction of fully electric models.

JEEP

WRANGLER

The current Jeep Wrangler gets an overall rating of just one star from What Car?, so it's good news that the new Wrangler is aiming to be a more upmarket all-rounder than today's car, albeit still with an off-road focus.

Jeep Wrangler

While its styling hasn't changed much on the outside, the interior now comes with a larger touchscreen infotainment system with various off-road displays and more luxurious trimmings.

Buyers will be able to choose from a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine or a smaller 2.0-litre alternative &ndash; the latter is new to the range and replaces the old 2.8-litre engine. It's also the first engine from Jeep to be offered with a mild hybrid powertrain, where a small electric motor helps to give you an extra boost when pulling away from traffic.
A 3.0-litre diesel engine will be added to the range in 2019.

The new Wrangler will be sold in three- and five-door forms, with the car's windscreen able to be folded down on certain models. The UK is traditionally a low-volume market for the Wrangler, with 322 units sold last year. However, Jeep is keen to push that number upwards, so expect enticing discounts and PCP finance deals to be offered when the new car goes on sale.
<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jeep/wrangler/4x4/review/n196">Read our full Jeep Wrangler review &gt;</a>

Land Rover is synonymous with SUVs, and especially with the Defender – the rugged runabout that has seen service in war zones across the world, but also as part of the Queen’s personal garage.

If off-road prowess is one of Land Rover’s core values, though, the other is luxury. Indeed, the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar are among the best luxury SUVs you can buy.

The Discovery, meanwhile, is a practical rival for the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, while the stylish Evoque (which is available as a three-door convertible as well as a traditional SUV) goes head to head with Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1.

In the coming years, we’ll see a new road-biased ‘Road Rover’ as well as an all-new Defender.

LAND ROVER

RANGE ROVER

The Range Rover is already one of our favourite luxury SUVs, and this facelifted version gets minor styling changes inside and out.
Available in both standard and stretched long-wheelbase forms, the updated Range Rover receives a new infotainment system inside, echoing the dual-screen setup first seen in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-velar/estate/review/n17374">Range Rover Velar</a>.

Range Rover and Range Rover Sport facelift

The biggest change, though, is the introduction of a new plug-in hybrid option. Called the P400e PHEV, this Range Rover combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, and can travel for up to 31 miles on electric power alone.

Among the other new features designed to make this Range Rover even more comfortable to drive are 24-way electrically adjustable front seats, heated arm rests and an array of 17 connection points for USB and HDMI devices. A wi-fi hotspot can also support up to eight devices.

Prices for the facelifted Range Rover start from &pound;79,595, making it more expensive than key rivals including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q7/4x4/review/n87">Audi Q7</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayenne/estate/review/n17375">Porsche Cayenne</a>.
As with most high-end cars, though, the vast array of personalisation and equipment options on offer will likely push that price further upwards.
Potential buyers interested in the plug-in hybrid Range Rover will need to hand over &pound;86,565, while the range-topping SVAutobiography Dynamic model is priced from &pound;141,580.
<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover/4x4/review/n17353">Read our full Range Rover review &gt;</a>

This long-wheelbase version of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover/4x4/review/n17353">Land Rover's most luxurious SUV</a> is aimed at buyers who don't fancy driving themselves, which is why there's even more room to spread out on the back seats.

Range Rover SVAutobiography LWB

And what back seats they are, too &ndash; heated, with massaging functions and extra support for your calfs plus a footrest. Other luxury touches include doors which open and close at the touch of a button, and a refrigerator large enough for two wine bottles.

There's plenty of storage space inside, too, as the right rear seat can be folded down, allowing extra-long items such as skis to be loaded from the boot while still leaving one rear seat.
Up front, drivers can use Land Rover's Touch Pro infotainment system, while those in the rear also get an infotainment screen to use as well as a fold-out table.

Buyers can choose from three engines: a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 petrol, a plug-in hybrid option which mates a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, and a V8 diesel. Prices start from &pound;167,850.
<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover/4x4/review/n17353">Read our full Range Rover review &gt;</a>

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

The current Mazda 6 saloon was launched in 2012, so this mid-life update is designed to keep it looking fresh against key rivals including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/mondeo/hatchback/review/n15">Ford Mondeo</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/superb/hatchback/review/n93">Skoda Superb</a>.

Mazda 6

Engine options are expected to be carried over from the current car, meaning our recommended choice will likely remain as the 2.2-litre diesel.

Light changes to the car's exterior styling include a new front grille and LED headlights, while inside there's a new 8.0inch infotainment screen, plus a 7.0inch digital instrument cluster on high-end models.

Prices for this facelifted Mazda 6 aren't expected to rise too much, giving the new car an estimated starting price of around &pound;20,000. At that price, it will still be substantially cheaper to buy than the Volkswagen Passat, but more expensive than the Ford Mondeo. All three cars will be more closely matched on PCP finance deals, though.
<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2018-mazda-6--price-specs-and-release-date/n16353">Find out more about the facelifted Mazda 6 &gt;</a>

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

The CLS is currently a good choice for buyers seeking a low-slung luxury coup&eacute;, and this new version is keeping that same brief.
It's based on the same underpinnings as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/saloon/review/n17174">E-Class</a>, and gets the same dual-screen infotainment setup as that car inside.

Mercedes CLS

Buyers will be able to choose from six-cylinder diesel engines available in 282bhp or 335bhp forms. The petrol option, the 450, is paired with a mild hybrid electric motor, to give you a small boost when pulling away from traffic.

The interior of the new CLS is very similar to that of the E-Class, including that car's optional two 12.3in infotainment screens. The so-called widescreen cockpit display is configurable, and can put a variety of information &ndash;&nbsp;including the sat-nav map &ndash; directly in front of the driver.

Prices are expected to start from &pound;57,000, making the CLS more expensive than today's car but still cheaper than rivals from Porsche and BMW.
<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2018-mercedes-cls--price-specs-and-release-date/n16351">Find out more about the new Mercedes CLS &gt;</a>

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

CAYMAN

We&rsquo;re big fans of Porsche&rsquo;s entry-level coup&eacute; and sports car &ndash; the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayman/coupe/review/n17361">718 Cayman</a> is, remember, our reigning <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/awards/category/sports">Sports Car of the Year</a>. Both models are hardly lacking for driver engagement, but these new GTS versions take that proverbial dial right up to 11.

Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman GTS

With slightly more power than the standard <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/boxster/sports/review/n27">718 Boxster</a> and Cayman, both cars can now cover the 0-62mph sprint 0.2 seconds faster than before, when used in combination with Porsche&rsquo;s automatic gearbox and standard Sport Chrono Package.
Both cars are also more efficient compared with the Boxster and Cayman GTS models, with official fuel consumption rated at 34.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 186g/km.

Distinguishing the new cars from their standard counterparts are modified front bumpers, black tinted lights, black alloy wheels and GTS badges at the base of their doors. Inside, you&rsquo;ll find Alcantara leather trim on the seats and steering wheel.
Prices for the 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster GTS start from &pound;59,866 and &pound;61,727 respectively.
<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayman/coupe/review/n17361">Read our full review of the Porsche 718 Cayman</a>

An open-top BMW i8, Korea's answer to the Audi A4 and a new luxury Mercedes. Here are the star cars of the LA motor show

LA motor show 2017 – our star cars        

Alfa Romeo now has one of its strongest-ever model line-ups, after years of living off past glories.

The BMW 3 Series-rivalling Giulia executive saloon is one of the best cars in its class to drive and has performed very well in the annual What Car? Reliability Survey, while the closely related Stelvio competes in the booming SUV class.

Smaller and larger SUVs are planned, as is a two-door coupé version of the Giulia that will take on the Audi A5, BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé.

It’s all a long way from the days when Alfa Romeo just had a couple of dated hatchbacks (the Mito and Giulietta) and the niche 4C sports car in its range.

ALFA ROMEO

Yes, Aston Martin is the preferred manufacturer of a certain (not so) secret agent, but its latest cars offer a lot more than the chance to indulge your Bond fantasies.

The DB11 grand tourer, for example, won its price point at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards, thanks to its beautifully crafted interior and the fact that it’s both fun in the corners and a convincing long-distance cruiser. Meanwhile, the latest Vantage is Aston Martin’s best sports car to date.

The modern Aston Martin isn’t afraid to move with the times, either, with a luxury SUV part of its future model plans.

ASTON MARTIN

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV have all won their classes at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in recent years, while the TT coupé is the most decorated car in the history of the ceremony.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

BMW ALPINA

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition, featuring paintwork-protecting ‘Airbumps’ and eschewing the sporty looks favoured by most rivals.

Indeed, Citroën tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from small hatchbacks (such as the C1 and C3) to big, family-friendly seven-seaters (the Spacetourer and Grand C4 Spacetourer).

The C3 Aircross SUV is another of its popular models, while a larger C5 Aircross is planned.

CITROEN

The sportiest Seats have long used the&nbsp;Cupra name, but it's now been turned into a standalone sub-brand, in much the same way as Fiat's sportiest models are badged as Abarths.

There's just one car in the line-up at the moment: the Cupra Ateca SUV. However, Cupra versions of the Ibiza and Leon hatchbacks are also planned, as is a bespoke model which –&nbsp;initially, at least –&nbsp;won't be offered in regular Seat from.

Don't think that the first Cupra is just an Ateca with a bit more power and a sporty bodykit, either. Its&nbsp;engine, gearbox and four-wheel drive system are actually very similar to what you'll find in Volkswagen's flagship Golf R hot hatch, and the car can hit 62mph in just 5.4sec.

CUPRA

If you want a new car but would rather not spend much, Dacia is a great place to start your search.

This budget brand builds Britain’s cheapest new cars, the Sandero hatchback. And don’t think cheap automatically means corners have been cut, because the Sandero has been commended at the annual What Car? Car of the Year awards on numerous occasions.

Other Dacia models include the&nbsp;higher-riding Sandero Stepway, seven-seat Jogger, and rugged Duster SUV. And while these cost slightly more than the Sandero, they’re still priced aggressively enough that they’re really only competing directly with used cars.

Dacia manages this by borrowing mechanicals and technology from its owner, Renault, to minimise development costs.

DACIA

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

GENESIS

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

Lamborghinis have been adorning bedroom posters since the mid-1960s. Not bad for a company whose origins lie in making tractors.

Today, Lamborghini is part of the Volkswagen Group, and as well as bolstering its core sports car portfolio, it has branched out to launch the Urus – a luxurious SUV that’s a rival to the similarly rapid Bentley Bentayga W12 and Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

LAMBORGHINI

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

Fancy something small, lightweight and fast? Then Lotus possibly has the right car for you. In fact ‘simplify then add lightness’ was the mantra of company founder Colin Chapman as far back as 1952.

These days, Lotus sells four models, with the core of the range being the Elise. Then there’s the more hardcore 3-Eleven, the sporty Exige and the Evora – which is pitched as a rival to the Porsche Cayman.

Big changes are afoot, though, because Lotus plans to build its own SUV in the near future, with the hope of broadening the brand’s appeal to families. The planned car will use Volvo underpinnings and will tackle rivals such as the Porsche Macan and Maserati Levante.

LOTUS

Do you look at the models of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz and find them all a bit too… common? Well then, Maserati might be up your street.

This Italian car maker has one SUV in its line-up – the Porsche Cayenne-rivalling Levante – but also the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons, GranTurismo coupé and GranCabrio drop-top.

Despite its long history, Maserati has been through several periods of inactivity but is now in better health thanks to being part of the large Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group.

In the future, we’re expecting to see Maserati grow its SUV range with new models to sit above and below the Levante, as well as a new range-topping sports car.

MASERATI

MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.

Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.

While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.

MG MOTOR UK

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

RENAULT

Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.

In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.

But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.

While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.

SEAT

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

Owned by Mercedes-Benz and with a reputation for making small, clever cars, Smart offers a striking, upmarket alternative to more conventional rivals.

It currently has a two-car line-up, the smaller of the two being the distinctive Fortwo, which, as its name suggests, is an ultra-short two-seater that uses an unusual rear-engined configuration to deliver the sort of turning circle that even London taxis can only dream of. It's a doddle to park in small spaces, too.

Smart's 'family car' is the Forfour, which is little more than a stretched version of the Fortwo, with a second row of seats and a larger boot. It's more of a natural rival for cars like the Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto.

On paper, both cars come at a considerable price premium when compared with rivals, something it says is justified by its badge appeal and the technology in the cars.&nbsp;However, sales have been slow and there are often keen Target Price deals to be found.

SMART

Ssangyong has made giant strides in recent years, after it was taken over by a new owner and given a injection of investment to help its bid to become a credible car maker.

The result so far is a range of cars dominated by SUVs (as well as a single pick-up), most of which are below the class average standard but all of which have merits, including the amount of space and practicality they offer for the money.

The highlight in the range is currently the Korando, a Nissan Qashqai rival that offers all the space of that car but for a price closer to the much smaller Nissan Juke’s. It is very roomy and has decent engines, but it’s let down a bit by interior quality, high running costs and poor resale values.

SSANGYONG

Once best known for its flame-spitting, rally-bred Imprezas, Subaru’s focus now is on cars that will appeal to a far wider audience, and especially one that values go-anywhere ability and no-nonsense values above all others.

The result is a mixed bag of offerings, none of which rise beyond being average in their class but most of which have facets that make them stand out from their rivals. Core to its range are the Forester and Outback SUVs, while the Levorg is a more conventional estate.

At other extremes, there’s also the BRZ, an entertaining coupé that is let down by its price and resale values, and of course the Impreza, which comes in a variety of forms, including a hot model.

SUBARU

Suzuki is well known as a motorcycle manufacturer, but the car brand has been enjoying decent success in recent years, thanks to a line-up of neat, well-equipped and keenly priced models.

Its expertise focuses on smaller cars, although its high-riding SUV range is also hugely credible, especially the Ignis and Vitara, which are both rated highly by What Car?’s testers and which have enjoyed success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

Well priced, decent to drive and full of useful tech, Suzuki’s cars also generally stand out for delivering good fuel economy. The Ignis, Celerio and Baleno have all stood head and shoulders above the competition during our True MPG testing.

SUZUKI

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

VOLVO

2008

5008

RIFTER

It seems the consensus is in, and the striking looks of the Peugeot 3008 are a hit. And that's to be expected, because the&nbsp;French firm’s <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116">family SUV</a> taps right into the current trend for bold styling.

The 3008 gained design cues from other models in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/peugeot">Peugeot</a> range in a&nbsp;mid-life facelift, which added&nbsp;‘sabre-toothed’ LED daytime running lights, a frameless front grille and smoked LED tail-lights. That helps lift it above the previous version style-wise.

Thankfully, the updates did nothing to diminish the car's swish interior. Indeed, it continues to echo the bigger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/5008/estate/review/n17369">Peugeot 5008</a>&nbsp;with an avant-garde dashboard that's akin to something you might see in a motor show concept car.&nbsp;Those eye-catching looks are backed up by plush materials and, in some versions, ambient interior&nbsp;lighting.

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5KKBMNGppFI" width="560"></iframe>

We're not here to judge the 3008 on its looks, though – we're here to look beyond the visual stimuli&nbsp;to find out whether&nbsp;it's practical, cheap to run and good enough to drive to thrive in an&nbsp;extremely competitive class. That's no mean feat, when rival family SUVs include the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/qashqai/hatchback/review/n7">Nissan Qashqai</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ateca/estate/review/n111">Seat Ateca</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/karoq/estate/review/n118">Skoda Karoq</a>.

Thankfully, Peugeot has you covered with a range of engines, from a frugal 1.5-litre diesel or 1.2-litre petrol hybrid, through to three <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a> (PHEV) versions – the fastest of which has&nbsp;four-wheel drive.

The 3008's equipment levels have historically been pretty good, but there have been some revisions made to the line-up to simplify things and bring the model into line with the rest of the Peugeot range. They&nbsp;include&nbsp;ditching the manual gearbox in favour of an eight-speed automatic across the range.

Fortunately, if after reading&nbsp;the next few pages of this&nbsp;review&nbsp;you decide it's the car for you, we can help you pick your trim carefully. We'll also tell you how the Peugeot 3008 compares with rivals for performance, practicality, running costs and more.

When you've chosen the best model for you, you can track down the lowest prices by searching our free What Car? <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals pages</a>. They feature lots of the best <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/family-suv">new family SUV deals</a>.

Family SUV is stylish, practical and comfortable

Peugeot 3008

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Comfortable ride </li> <li>Feature-filled infotainment </li> <li>Space for child seats </li> <li>Robust build quality </li> <li>Practical storage spaces </li> <li>A boot fit for a family holiday </li> <li>Fuel-efficient engines</li></ul>

While we define a small SUV&nbsp;as something&nbsp;less than 4.3 metres long and a large SUV as measuring more than 4.5 metres, family SUVs tread the middle ground.

As the name suggests, the vast majority are&nbsp;designed for family duties rather than serious off-roading, so practicality is paramount. However, that&nbsp;shouldn't come at the expense of a decent drive; the best examples combine tidy handling with smooth engines&nbsp;and a ride that's comfortable&nbsp;enough to ensure the kids aren't left feeling queasy.

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