Chrysler 300C Touring

Few estates have looks as mean as the 300C Touring. With its menacing styling, big chrome grille and flared wheel arches, it's as American as large estates get and a realistic alternative to the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5-Series and Saab 9-5. But it's not all about looks. This is one estate that's exceptionally well equipped, very comfortable, practical and competitively priced - in fact it undercuts its rivals by a minimum of several thousand pounds. Best engine is the 3.0 CRD diesel, which is quick and economical, although, if you can afford the fuel bills, there is the option of an all-American 5.7-litre V8.

V6, V8, CRD

The 3.0 V6 CRD and 3.5 V6 have cruise control, heated leather seats, leather steering wheel, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, trip computer, seat and mirror memory, six-speaker sound system, 18-inch alloy wheels, body coloured bumpers, chrome wing mirrors, parking sensors, metallic paint, ABS, traction control, electronic stability programme, seat belt pre-tensioners, rear cargo organiser and cover, rain-sensitive wipers, remote central locking, dual front and side airbags and xenon headlamps. The 5.7-litre V8 adds an electric sunroof, walnut trim, seven-speaker stereo system with six-CD autochanger and satellite navigation.

3.0 V6 CRD