Germany
Audi has kept up its game in the compact executive sector by launching an all-new A4. The new car will be sold initially as a saloon and estate, with a cabriolet version due next year as a replacement for the ageing 80-based cabriolet. Another major car launch for Audi is the A2, which is similar in concept to the Mercedes A-Class but is better to drive, even though it comes with 1.4 petrol and 1.4 turbo-diesel engines.
Volkswagen has kept its six-year-old Polo supermini up with the best of its competitors by giving it a major facelift and fitting all models with power steering, twin airbags, anti-lock brakes and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty as standard. There will also be the option of a powerful 1.6 GTI model which is the fastest Polo yet, with a top speed of nearly 130 mph, but can't match the handling standards of the Saxo VTR and 206 GTI. The Sharan people carrier has also received a mild facelift to keep it looking fresh.
BMW has launched the final two models of its latest 3 Series range. The cabriolet and hatchback (Compact) models have followed nearly two years after the saloon, estate and coupe, and like the rest of the range offer a first rate driving experience.
The seven-year-old Mercedes-Benz C Class has been replaced by an all-new model which has the look of the much larger S Class. The engine line-up and pricing are similar to the old model's, but the new car is far more stylish and even more comfortable and spacious than its predecessor. Built in South Africa, its only major criticism is the lack of driver appeal and sporting prowess that has made its key rival - the BMW 3 Series - such a success.
Read more about this topic: 2000 In Motoring
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