SEAT Toledo V5

My first impression of our long-term SEAT Toledo, after swapping from the Vauxhall Astra Coupe Turbo, was that it didn't feel as solid and didn't hold the road as well as the Astra.

But as the miles have rolled by, it has grown on me, particularly when you consider its modest price tag of just £16,995 on-the-road. It certainly offers drivers a great deal for their money with an impressive standard specification list including satellite navigation, leather and Alcantara seats, climate control, electric front and rear windows, cruise control, ABS and CD auto changer.

The gutsy 2.3-litre V5 engine, which powers the Toledo from 0-62 in 8.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 140mph, is great fun with a satisfying 'grunt' when you push hard on the accelerator.

It is an easy and comfortable car to drive - more of a relaxed cruiser than a sporting model - making it ideal for long motorway trips.

Fuel consumption on the V5 hasn't suffered either; my last tankful achieved a respectable 30.3mpg - not bad when you consider the official combined figure is 32.1mpg.

I find the exterior styling is rather staid, although the 16in multi-spoke alloys, another standard feature on the V5, do give the Toledo a bit more of a sporting stance. But the interior makes up for what is lacking on the outside.

Attention to detail is excellent with plenty of gadgets and stowage areas designed to make the driver and passengers' lives easier.

One feature I am particularly impressed with is the auto dimming rear view mirror which proves invaluable for motorway driving on winter nights, protecting you from other cars' headlight glare.

And for once the satellite navigation system is enjoyable to use. The SEAT's system is one of the easiest and most practical I have come across, particularly as I can never be bothered to read the hefty instruction manual.

The large display console, which even shows the outline of a local reservoir, is clear to follow and can be angled towards the driver or passenger with settings for day or night time driving.

There is plenty of space for four adults, although the rear seat passengers' legroom isn't too great. The electric front seats are easy to operate and very comfortable with plenty of support. There's no problem stowing luggage either with plenty of boot space.