When it comes to adding value to a car, sporty styling features tend to be more sought after than fancy electrical items, writes Peter Carroll.

The replacement for the CLK has the looks and quality to be a big hit with Mercedes buyers, says motoring editor Peter Carroll. The new arrival is an attractively-styled four-seater, featuring one of the most aerodynamically-efficient shapes on the road.

While its rivals have gleefully been making hay under the scrappage scheme, VW has had to bide its time and sell off old stock, while awaiting delivery of the new Polos from the South African plant where they are built.

The well-equipped Toyota Yaris Verso was launched by Toyota in 2003 as a more practical version of its popular supermini, offering greater practicality without the extra bulk of an MPV. Iain Dooley checks out this small but perfectly formed car.

Hot hatch fans should be cheered by the latest addition to Renault’s Megane range. Announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show – and having to fight for attention alongside supercar reveals and wacky electric concepts – was the new Megane Renaultsport 250.

Car manufacturers continue to be buffeted by the winds of recession – but Alfa Romeo has surprisingly emerged, of all firms, to buck the downward trend.

Volvo has always been known for its safe, comfortable cars – but now its investment in green technologies is starting to pay dividends – the Swedish firm is already producing highly fuel-efficient cars under its DRIVe banner. Peter Carroll puts the new C30 through its paces.

Development work is continuing on Land Rover’s ‘baby’ model, the LRX, which is sure to be one of the big automotive stories of 2010. But in the meantime the West Midlands firm has revised its three premium models: the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Discovery.

Chevrolet launched its mid-size Capitva SUV in 2007 with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. Developing a reputation for good value and versatility, the car was offered in both five and seven-seat guises, along with generous levels of standard equipment.

Brian Vertigen tests out one of the latest versions of the Corsa, the ultra-economical Corsa 1.3 turbo diesel ecoFlex Life, which is claimed to be the company’s most economical car it has ever produced in its 106-year history.