THE 2.4-litre engine in the Honda Accord is as smooth and powerful as BMW's six cylinder 2.5, even though it has only four cylinders.

Honda fours were the smoothest and most refined on the market for years and it took other car makers a long time to catch up.

As well as this petrol with an excellent 187bhp, there is also a 2.0-litre with a very good 152bhp which is no slouch.

For most though, the pick of the range is probably the 2.2 138bhp turbo diesel, which is smooth, quiet and very powerful.

There is rarely any need to push the engines hard because they have great response and pull hard from low revs.

Handling is top-of-the-tree in both the saloon and estate, with little roll, wonderful balance, vast grip and safe, sure road-holding.

It matches the engine's verve perfectly and it is hugely enjoyable over short or long journeys.

The ride is excellent at speed, but does get a little jittery in town and reliability is second to none.

It has automatic lights and wipers, lovely wood veneer and traction control and the automatic gearbox is one of the best you can buy.

: Audi A4