- Lexus IS250

Price: B3.39m (Premium package) Engine: 212hp 2.5-litre V6, petrol

What's so good about it: The second-generation IS is now a true competitor to the BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-class, if not exactly the outright winner. But Lexus's smallest saloon oozes stylish appearance, inviting cabin, refined road manners, agile handling and uncompromised specification.

Achilles heel: Soulless chassis and engine.

Bottom line: Japan's Alfa Romeo _ aesthetically.

- BMW 520d

Price: B3.5m Engine: 163hp 2.0-litre inline-four, turbo-diesel

What's so good about it: It surely took some time for BMW to come to its senses by offering a diesel motor. Well, it's here. And what a good car to start with: the 5-series in entry-level form. Forget about the 520i or 525i. The 520d offers far better real-world performance, nearly to the extent to that of the 530i which is, however, the truest BMW of all Fives sold locally (aside M5).

Achilles heel: Dogs still bark when they hear it.

Bottom line: Why entry-level cars should be diesel.

- Peugeot 407 Coupe' HDI

Price: B3.99m Engine: 204hp 2.7-litre V6, turbo-diesel

What's so good about it: Peugeot bravely imported the 407 Coupe' with a diesel to choose from and is a first for a two-door in Thailand. And it works _ the refined oil-burning engine gives out the same performance of the 3.0-litre petrol V6, but is significantly 20% more fuel efficient and only B100,000 dearer. What you also get is handsome looks and four-seat practicality

Achilles heel: It isn't a sports car.

Bottom line: Trend-setting coupe'.

- Mazda MX-5

Price: B2.39m Engine: 160hp 2.0-litre inline-four, petrol

What's so good about it: The first car to be rated this year and we have already fallen in love with it. Classic front-engine and rear-wheel-drive make up for a inspiring driving experience. The snug interior, once and for all, is now attractive and oozes quality. And the best part of the MX-5 is its unrivalled price.

Achilles heel: Auto 'box is not fun enough.

Bottom line: The best value roadster.

- Mercedes-Benz S320L CDI

Price: B7.29m Engine: 211hp 3.0-litre V6, turbo-diesel

What's so good about it: Big barges suffer in weight, so diesel's merits of torque and fuel economy make utter sense in Merc's biggest saloon. And not only that, the S-class has a brilliant balance between handling and ride, a reasonable in-class pricetag and rear-seat comfort for owners to reside in.

Achilles heel: The Lexus LS has more gimmicks.

Bottom line: The trend-setting luxury saloon.

- Toyota Camry 2.0

Price: B1.299m Engine: 147hp 2.0-litre inline-four, petrol

What's so good about it: The Camry and its likes are highlighted by one significant thing: space and metal of German executive cars at prices Teutons can only dream of. But it's the Camry that does it best in its class: big on quality, interior comfort and specification to even put its own baseline 2.4 to shame. The 2.0 is adequate, because performance was never a must in such cars.

Achilles heel: When will it ever handle properly?

- Volvo V70 D5

Price: B2.867m Engine: 185hp 2.4-litre inline-five, turbo-diesel

What's so good about it: Like before, the V70 is in a class of its own: it's the most competitively priced large estate on sale _ even the BMW 525i Touring costs nearly twice. And the V70 is still a practical load-lugger, despite a flawed driving position. The best thing is the new diesel engine which is a great combination for a weekend-mover.

Achilles heel: The package and dynamics are aging fast.

Bottom line: The sensible estate that's just got more sensible.

- Honda Jazz VTEC

Price: B705,000 (SV AS package) Engine: 110hp 1.5-litre inline-four, petrol

What's so good about it: Despite the minimal changes during its mid-life update earlier this year, the Jazz is still the sub-compact hatchback to beat. Clever packaging, refined powertrain, cabin quality and keen pricing have not enabled the Toyota Yaris to catch up with, despite the Honda being the older car.

Achilles heel: Honda, please be more generous with mid-life revisions.

Bottom line: Great value all-rounder for first-time car buyers.

- Ford Ranger Open Cab

Price: B739,000 (4x4 XLT package) Engine: 156hp 3.0-litre inline-four, turbo-diesel

What's so good about it: The Ranger's new diesel engine (Mazda-developed) is the market's new benchmark offering the best combination of refinement, performance and economy. Then there are the usual innovative rear-access panels for increased practicality. All-weather ability is enhanced with all-terrain tyres not offered in its Mazda BT-50 cousin.

Achilles heel: Handling sharpness lost from first model.

Bottom line: The best 4x4 workhorse for leisure bachelors.

- Mitsubishi Space Wagon

Price: B1.59m Engine: 165hp 2.4-litre inline-four, petrol

What's so good about it: The Space Wagon is the only mid-sized MPV to be assembled in Thailand, explaining its competitive price that has made all rivals seem too pricey. And the Space Wagon looks good with its stylish design cues. Add that with a mid-life update earlier this year to make its specification better than before, it is a good value alternative to saloons like the Toyota Camry.

Achilles heel: Still lacks safety equipmenteven when the price is still cheap.

Bottom line: It's time rivals consider this segment