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TEN OF THE BEST COMPACT EXECUTIVE CARS
| BMW 3-Series |
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Still the class leader because it
offers such a wide variety of
engines and body styles, it is
engaging to drive and they are
now better equipped than ever. It
has become the default car among
anyone entering the segment and
deservedly so. Best buy is the 320d
as an all-rounder.
Price: €36,600 - €103,000 Best
Buy: 320d Saloon SE €49,550
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| Audi A4 |
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Another smart executive car that is
easily accessible thanks to its 1.6-litre
entry-point. The diesel models make
great long-term cars and the Avant
models add useful load carrying
too. There is a new one on the way
so you might want to hold off until
that arrives next year. There are a
staggering 175 versions to choose from
including a very smart cabriolet too.
Price: €39,510 - €56,690 Best
Buy: 2.0 Diesel S €42,380
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| Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
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The new model has just arrived and it
is a quantum leap forward from the
old model. There are two distinct styles
to choose from - the more traditional
look of the Classic and Elegance
model and the sportier look of the
Avantgarde. A wide choice of petrol
and diesel engines are on offer.
Price: €32,295 - €52,595 Best
Buy: 2.0 R €32,295
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| Lexus IS Range |
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The second-generation IS range
comes with a 2.2-litre diesel and
this is an incredibly quiet and frugal
engine. The IS is a very refined car and
is loaded with standard equipment.
The manual gearbox is not as smooth
as it could be, so best to opt for the
automatic model instead if you
choose the petrol model.
Price: €44,190 - €55,905 Best
Buy: IS220D Sport €51,820
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| Saab 9-3 |
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As we mentioned in the news,
a new model is coming in
September with the choice of 1.8t
and 2.0t BioPower versions which
will run on E85 Bioethanol. These
fuels are produced from renewable
sources so they are better for the
environment. The car gets a fresh
new look too.
Price: €35,520 - €68,755 Best
Buy: Hang on for the 1.8t BioPower
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| Volvo S40/V50 |
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Another car that is getting a facelift
and a better range of Flexifuel versions
is the popular S40 and its estate
sibling, the V50. Changes include a
redesigned exterior and interior and
now you can have the 1.8 Flexifuel
version which runs on E85 Bioethanol
in three trim levels.
Price: €28,050 - €42,125 Best
Buy: 1.8 Flexifuel €25,800
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| Alfa Romeo 159 |
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It might not be selling too well but
the gorgeous Alfa Romeo 159 should
not be ignored because it is an
excellent car to drive and is very good
value. The diesel engine versions are
incredibly potent, so we reckon try the
1.9 16v version. The quality is much
better than before, but watch out for
depreciation which can be severe.
Price: €32,550 - €51,000 Best
Buy: 1.9 JTDM 16V Turismo €39,050
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| Jaguar X-Type |
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A little off the pace compared
to some of its rivals, but owing
a Jaguar for under €40,000 is
appealing to some. The X-Type
drives very well and as it nears the
end of its life it is becoming very
good value. The 2.0D is great value,
but the 2.2-litre engine offers better
performance.
Price: €39,510 - €56,690 Best
Buy: 2.0 Diesel S €42,380
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| Subaru Legacy |
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A car that is probably overlooked by
most people buying an executive
car, but one that deserves a mention
because it is a superb car to drive
and one that comes really well
equipped. The Legacy comes with
all-wheel drive and this makes
its handling superb, even in poor
conditions.
Price: €32,295 - €52,595 Best
Buy: 2.0 R €32,295
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| Cadillac BLS |
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Cadillac has not found too many
homes in Ireland, but what you get
for the money is not bad. Yes it is
pretty much a Saab 9-3 in different
clothing but this gives it superb
handling and you get a lot of power
for your money.
Price: €39,990 - €60,090
Best Buy: 2.0T 175bhp €39,990
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Published in the July/August 2007 Issue of Irish Entrepreneur
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