Best New Old Famous Cars

After putting the local big sixes to the sword, the Honda Accord V6 saw off challenges from supercars and luxury limousines to win Drive’s overall Car of the Year award. JOSHUA DOWLING explains how it won.

The dynamic styling and rousing performance of the BMW 6 Series Coupé and Convertible will set your pulse racing. The twin turbo 635d channels 286hp through it's standard six-speed Sports automatic gearbox, complete with steering wheel paddles.

The Mazda RX-8 Kuro seats two adults comfortably in the rear. A fine balance of modern sports styling, fine craftsmanship and smart engineering, it is designed to deliver maximum driving pleasure and complete comfort to you and all your passengers. All four seats provide optimal support for high performance driving. The seats have been deployed to optimise cabin space, whilst a concave floor at the front enables the lower slung sports car proportions familiar to the Mazda RX-8.

What do you get if you cross a Mazda sports car with an SUV? The answer is the new Mazda CX-7. This innovative sports crossover offers a unique balance of performance and practicality, which makes it perfectly equipped for today’s demanding urban lifestyle. You get the athletic design and 2.3-litre direct-injection turbo petrol engine of a true sports car. And you also get the superior levels of space, visibility, comfort and flexibility that you’d expect of an SUV.

Price: From £17,550 Deluxe yet affordable – a contradiction in terms? Not with the Mazda6 Kumano special edition. This sporty new 2.0 litre (petrol or diesel) five-door has classy looks, is rewarding to drive and yet it is refreshingly easy on your finances. For superior comfort, a range of special features and journeys that are a touch more exclusive, settle into the Mazda6 Kumano.

Price: From £15,180 Acceleration with consideration When you buy the new Mazda6 4-door you'll get power assisted steering, impressive braking power and amazing acceleration. Our brand new range of MZR (petrol) engines, will literally take your breath away. They include 1.8 and 2.0 litre four cylinder petrol engines. And we know that environmental concerns are as important to you as they are to us, so you'll find the outstandingly low-emission MZR-CD common-rail Diesel engine, available in a 143ps power variant, delivering 360Nm of low-end torque and refinement normally associated only with petrol engines.

Price: From £16,995 The Mazda5 Furano is the Compact Multi-Activity Vehicle (C-MAV) for discerning individuals. Individuals who don't want to sacrifice aesthetic appeal for practical features. We've enhanced the contemporary and dynamic style of the Mazda5 with even sportier qualities. Inside and out, the Mazda5 Furano is streets ahead of other people carriers. Sports Styling kit A range of sporty extras leave you in doubt about this vehicle’s high performance personality, including:

Price: From £18,995 Versatility is the heart of the Mazda3 MPS’s interior design. You can adjust the steering wheel and driver's seat in seven different ways to create your perfect driving position. The rear seatback is designed for a 60:40 split, allowing you to fold down its two sides together or individually to create a flat, extended luggage surface. The wide luggage area provides 290 litres of capacity with the rear seats occupied, and 619 litres with the rear seats folded flat. There’s impressive storage capacity elsewhere too. The glove compartment comfortably holds a laptop, while the centre console can hold up to 13 CDs. Other practical touches – such as cup holders for your rear passengers – further demonstrate the overall attention to detail.

Refined and responsive Pure driving pleasure awaits you behind the wheel of the Mazda3. You’ll relish the smooth, stable drive delivered by its body rigidity, refined front and rear suspension and superb aerodynamics. However hard you drive it, the Mazda3 stays glued to the road.

Price: From £13,340 Elegant and spirited, the Mazda3 Saloon exudes that distinctive Zoom-Zoom appeal.A long wheelbase, a short high deck, short overhangs and compact looking cabin produce coupé style proportions. These set the car in a class of its own.

The sensational new Mazda BT-50 is much more than a pick-up. Its irresistible design announces an uncompromising performance. Tough and versatile, the Mazda BT-50 is instantly at home in the city, road or country. And with superb dynamic handling, it’s masses more fun to drive than a truck ought to be.

Price: Mazda3 2.3 5dr DISI Turbo MPS =  £18,995 Mazda3 2.3 5dr DISI Turbo MPS with Sports Aero Kit = £19,495

  new: the electric model

The Corolla Rumion, designed under the theme of “Relax in Style”, maintains the basic performance for which the Corolla name is known, while adopting a new appeal that resonates with drivers who value individuality and youthfulness. The Corolla Rumion features simple, box-like styling that expresses familiarity and composure while creating a unique presence. A new compact vehicle with a roomy interior that envelops passengers in comfort, the Corolla Rumion offers a relaxing, smooth and pleasant ride to all occupants. Designed for individualized use, it is suitable for a wide variety of lifestyles. The boxy silhouette formed from vertical and horizontal lines and unique yet simple interior and exterior designs emphasizes individuality. The roomy interior, designed for numerous applications, has a high beltline to create a feeling of being surrounded by comfort. In addition, the 1.5-liter and 1.8-liter engines and rigid body provide outstanding cruising performance and environmental ...

Pontiac today confirmed pricing for its new rear-wheel drive G8 performance sedan will start at $27,595 when it hits the streets in early 2008. The V-8 powered G8 GT will be available for.