1) Volvo XC60. The XC60 bowls you over first with its sexy silhouette, then its incredible refinement and driveability. It is a more road-friendly and engaging car than its distant cousin, the Land Rover Freelander. Not to mention a lot more powerful. It is exceptionally roomy, too (click on the images for more in-depth reviews).

2) BMW M3 Sedan. The first four-door M3 in 14 years, and possibly the best dressed warrior this year. This sports car disguised as a sedan hits 100kmh in 4.9 seconds (manual), and has so much juice you can often overtake without shifting down. From an iDrive menu, you can pick damping, throttle and steering settings as well as the level of stability assistance. Brawny and brainy.

3) Jaguar XF. At last, a Cat that breaks with tradition. Beneath the revolutionary styling is a suite of high-tech gadgetry that Beemer and Audi owners will be envious of. Yet, there is the fine accompaniment of wood and leather that reminds you the car is a Jag after all. Its performance is not too shoddy, either.

4) Toyota Wish. This compact MPV may be old hat to the thousands who have owned it since 2002, but it is available through the authorised distributor only this year. Even though it has been around all these years, it is still a chart topper because of its user-friendliness, pleasant styling, and high fuel efficiency. It also offers the best legroom and headroom among its peers.

5) Renault Laguna. This is a sleeper hit. Think of it as a car with the ride of a Peugeot, the handling of a BMW and the breeziness of a Saab. Oh, and the build and presence of an Audi. You have to test-drive one to believe it.

6) Mazda6. Folks who want an executive car that is not too pricey, not too conservative and not too Japanese must consider the Mazda6. The 6 drives and handles like a well-sorted Continental. It looks pretty sharp, too.

7) Volkswagen Touran 1.4. Finally, a European MPV that matches the fuel economy of Japanese entrants. Its 1,390cc engine means low road tax as well. But with 170bhp on tap and a sturdy, communicative chassis, the Touran is more fun to drive than any MPV in recent memory. Alas it is not as passenger-friendly as the Wish. Small price to pay.

8) Audi TTS Roadster. This is the year's most enjoyable car, period.

9) Audi RS6 Avant. Audi's most powerful car and it's a station wagon. Its 5-litre bi-turbo V10 produces a jaw-dropping 580bhp, powering the car to 100kmh in 4.6 seconds and possibly 300kmh if its speed limiter was removed. Need groceries in a hurry?

10) Lexus GS450h. The car has just been launched here, but I drove it three years ago in Japan. It is the world's first petrol-electric hybrid performance luxury sedan. Its hybrid drive is more for performance than frugality, though. Not as nimble as the Lexus IS, but a whole lot more comfy. Perfect for long jaunts, with fewer fuel stops.