Price: £24,375-£41,725
Performance: 0-62mph: 6sec to 9.5sec / Top speed: 130mph to 155mph
Power/torque: 163-315bhp, 221-324 lb ft
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What’s different? The old, underachieving S80 is gone, replaced by this smart saloon using the same new platform that underpins the Ford S-Max and Galaxy. Two diesel and three petrol engines are available, giving a wide choice of performance and economy, and while headlines will be grabbed by the 315bhp 4.4 litre V8, the smart money is on the new 238bhp 3.2 litre straight-six unit
Why should I care? Bored with the numbing predictability of a mid-sized BMW, Audi or Merc? The S80 may be the answer, as it’s a modern alternative to the German-dominated mainstream of quality executive saloons. Expect a huge leap forward in ability over the old S80, plus a lot of style and safety
Consider also: Audi A6 £25,365-£46,225, BMW 5-series £27,455-£46,310, Saab 9-5 £21,696-£28,552
Revamped Audi TT
Price: £24,625-£29,285
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Performance: 0-62mph: 5.7sec to 6.6sec / Top speed: 149mph to 155mph
Power/torque: 200-250bhp, 206-235 lb ft
What’s different? After eight years, Audi’s stylish coupé has been replaced. Larger yet lighter thanks to the use of aluminium, the new TT has two petrol engines: the Golf GTI’s 200bhp 2 litre motor, and the 250bhp V6 of the Golf R32, with all-wheel drive. A roadster and diesel will follow
Why should I care? Because Brits loved the old TT and are likely to fancy this one too. It will appeal to people who avoided the old one as it wasn’t much fun to drive. It’s no Porsche, but it’s a massive leap forward
Consider also: Alfa Romeo Brera: £22,800-£29,850, Mazda RX-8: £21,400-£22,900, Nissan 350Z: £26,495-£28,995