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The 1.0-litre engine is no powerhouse, but thanks to the snappy six-speed manual, it gets out of its own way well enough. If you must have an automatic transmission, the Dacia Jogger Hybrid is the one to go for and returns very impressive economy.
It rides well on its soft suspension but has enough inherent balance to still be enjoyable on a twisty road. Some might scoff at the one-star NCAP rating, but the Jogger protects still its occupants perfectly well in a crash.
However, NCAP marked it down for the absence of some active safety systems. Those can be less of a help than a hindrance on some cars, so it’s not the biggest loss.
The Jogger offers lots of space for relatively little money in what is quite a cheery and pleasant package. It’s the opposite of a luxury car, but it’s hard not to like.
Read our Dacia Jogger review
Save money with new Jogger deals from What Car?
3. Jaguar XF Sportbrake
Pros: Good value for premium feel, class-leading handling, supple ride
Cons: No plug-in option, small back seats, expensive optional extras
Jaguar did much for the rational appeal of its slightly long-in-the-tooth larger executive option, the XF, early in 2021 when it widely overhauled the interior, cut the engine range and slashed a four-figure sum off the list price.
A rear-driven, diesel-powered D200 XF Sportbrake can now be had for a biscuit over £40,000, which makes it cracking value, especially when the Mercedes E-Class is pushing into the £60ks. We’ll just let that sink in a bit.
WLTP emissions tests have robbed Jaguar’s only estate of its multi-cylinder engines, sadly: Jaguar never got around to dropping any of its straight-six Ingenium motors into the car, and it isn’t likely to in the future.
But whichever engine sits in the Sportbrake’s nose, you’re getting arguably the best-handling chassis in this class here, and one that changes direction beautifully thanks to the weight and response of Jaguar’s trademark steering.
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