refinement, comfort and safety. And the latest engine technology means they're greener and cheaper to run too.
Overall, the class leader has to be the Ford Mondeo - it's bigger, smoother yet better handling than pretty well any rival. Ford's perennial rival, Vauxhall, has a worthy contender in the Insignia, but it is not quite the equal of the Mondeo.
One of our other favourites in this category is the Skoda Superb, which is basically an executive car being sold at a family car price. For those who can live with the badge (count us in), it is a real bargain.