1. What have the Gauls ever done for us?

Swiss watches, Cuban cigars, French wines, German cars ... each country a byword for excellence in a certain product.

2. Kuga’s new ground

THE rain in Spain falls mainly on the motoring writer. Or at least it did during the launch of Ford’s latest motor, the crossover-style 4x4 Kuga.

We’re not talking drizzle here, or showers, or even cloudbursts... but a continuous, torrential, Noah-would-have-felt-at-home downpour. Forget the factor 20 and sunhat, it was time to break out the sou’ wester and wellies, but the very un-Spanish precipitation did provide a thorough workout for the debut car.

3. Mini road test in the Saab 9-3 Convertible

The Saab 9-3 Convertible looked cool in metallic blue. At the same time it was green.

4. Skoda Fabia Estate

You can have your cake and drive it, as Skoda showed with their new Fabia – a car they would have us believe is made of marzipan, jelly and sponge filling.

5. Renault Laguna

The new Renault Laguna is a smooth operator. With a svelte profile and an interior as refined as a hand-cut French suit, the mid-range motor has the poise of a sophisticated boulevardier.

6. Quick spin in the Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage, which has had a new look and some new features. We were  at the launch of the medium-sized 4x4 in Switzerland just over three years ago and we gave it a glowing report.