4car rating: 4 stars
Body Styles: Saloon, Estate
Engines: 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 3.0 V6, 1.9 TD
Prices: £14,225 to £20,895


As the only car to score five stars in Euro-NCAP's crash tests, the Laguna romps away as the best in the class for safety. We don't rate it as the best in class in most other areas, but when it comes to staying safe, the Laguna looks like being the one. Several cars get four stars, just behind the Renault, including the Honda Accord and Volkswagen Passat. It should probably noted that the latest Ford Mondeo, which is otherwise excellent in all areas, has not been tested yet.



Other recommended cars:

• Best Budget Buy: Skoda Octavia
• Best for Interior Room: Ford Mondeo
• Best for Safety: Renault Laguna
• Best for Comfort: Honda Accord
• Best Driver's Car: Subaru Impreza
• Best Image: Volkswagen Passat
• Best Diesel: Volkswagen Passat
• Best Estate: Ford Mondeo