THE year 2007 has been a rather hectic one for the motor trade.

Volkswagen took on the role of both importer and distributor in February after parting ways with Peter Kwee's Group Exklusiv. Following the acrimonious break-up, sales of VW vehicles are finally climbing and will be around 900 this year, up from 600 last year and largely on the back of a much wider product line-up.

Last month, Audi Singapore took over the distribution of Audi cars, with Premium Automobiles keeping its dealer status. Audi will have a stellar year, with sales rising by more than 50 per cent.

Now that the manufacturer is also the importer, the penetration of Audi next year is expected to exceed this year's estimated 950 units.

Another Continental car to have an explosive sales growth is Citroen. Ever since Cycle & Carriage took over the distribution late last year, the number of Citroen cars sold has risen by threefold to an estimated 150 this year.

COEs are still at their lowest levels in recent years and correspondingly, cars are rather inexpensive compared to just a few years ago. This has attracted many first-time buyers into the market and their choices have been largely price-driven.

This could be one reason for the exponential growth in sales of Chinese-made cars.

Quite frankly, at the current level of development of Chinese cars, it is difficult to make a strong case for buying one at any price.

My advice is to give them a few years for both quality and safety standards to improve.

With fewer cars now being scrapped, next year's supply of COEs is estimated to be at least 10 per cent smaller. If you are contemplating buying a new set of wheels, this is a good time to do so. You might want to consider the following recommendations:

HATCHBACKS

These cars can roughly be subdivided into affordable hatchbacks and expensive toys for big boys. In the first group, the best of the current crop are the Mazda 2 (above, right, $58,488) and Suzuki Swift ($54,600).

The more entrenched Swift has the advantage of a wider range of engine options and even a Sport version ($60,500), which offers more thrills per dollar than any other small car.

However, the new Mazda 2 offers greater refinement, a roomier cabin and a bigger boot. It handles better than the non-Sport Swift.

For upmarket hatchbacks, it is a toss-up between the VW Golf GTi ($122,900) and the Mini Cooper S ($127,800). The GTi is roomier and quicker, has greater engine refinement and superb transmission. However, it cannot match the kart-like handling, iconic looks and character of the Mini.

Unlike the Mini, the Golf will not stand out in a crowded carpark. Buying a GTi is a decision of the head while the choice of a Cooper S is more heart and vanity driven.

And to make your heart beat even faster, add $6,247 for the John Cooper Works kit, for an extra 17bhp and 10Nm of torque.

SMALL SEDANS

From a very crowded field, the two top contenders are the Toyota Vios E ($53,888) and the Suzuki SX4 sedan (above, $54,900). The new Vios is a great leap forward compared to the old in every way. It is economical, good-looking and exceptionally spacious. But it is let down by mechanical din when revved.

The SX4 is quieter and better finished but not quite as roomy. Its crossover-derived styling gives it a chic and trendy demeanour well above its price range. It has a sizeable boot too.

MID-SIZED SEDANS

The car to beat is still the Honda Civic. It has the best ride/handling compromise in its class, plus exceptional engines. A roomy cabin and space-age design for the fascia are further plus points. Best value model is the 1.6 (above) at $75,000.

If the Civic is too common for you, try the Mitsubishi Lancer EX, which is even bigger. The 109bhp 1.5 version is rather too asphyxiated, so my advice is to pay $8,000 more and go for the 2.0 Elegance ($66,988).

LARGE SEDANS

After all these years, Ford has finally come out with a winner.

The new Mondeo ($103,900) looks good, drives well and makes you feel good with its refinement and performance.

With keen pricing and decent finish, this Ford would be a good alternative to the Toyota Camry 2.4 (left, below, $98,998). The latter has the edge in pricing and engine refinement but cannot match the Mondeo's sharp handling and quick reflexes.

If spending around a hundred grand is too much but you still want a full-sized saloon, my pick would be the Chevrolet Epica 2.5 ($87,888). An inline-6 engine gives it the edge in both refinement and snob value, and it is a steal at under $90,000. Its suspension is strongly biased towards comfort rather than handling, so its forte is boulevard cruising rather than fast touring.

SMALL EXECUTIVE SEDANS

Joining the BMW 3-series/Lexus IS250 dogfight is the new Mercedes C-class. With the latest car, Merc has made a quantum leap in almost every parameter. Besides improved quality, the new C is prettier and handles far better than its predecessor. It is roomier than both its rivals and offers a choice of two distinct body styles. It cannot quite match the handling of the 3-series or the quality of the IS250, but is a pretty good all-rounder. The best value is the C200 Kompressor (above, $156,888).

If price were of no concern, my choice would be the BMW 335i. I know $218,800 is a princely sum to pay for a small car, but the 306bhp turbocharged motor in a well-sorted chassis is an enthusiast's delight. It would still cost at least $120,000 less than the mighty M3 due next year. And in the real world, it would be almost as fast.

EXECUTIVE SALOONS

This class is still a toss-up between the BMW 5-series and the Lexus GS300 ($184,000). Both have had recent facelifts to keep them fresh.

In addition to minor cosmetic changes, the GS300 acquires Adaptive Variable Suspension which offers a choice of suspension settings. When set at Sport, it gives greater composure around fast twisty roads.

And with its 245bhp direct injection engine, the Lexus is both quicker and better finished than the similarly priced 523i ($183,800), but it is still unable to match the ultimate handling balance or the room of the Beemer.

A 525i would be ideal, but will set you back by another $20,000.

LUXURY SEDANS

Of the delicious choices available, two stand supreme: the Mercedes S-class and the Lexus LS460 (above).

The Merc has the advantage of a wide choice of engines (from 3 to 5.5 litres). The S300L ($295,888) make up the bulk of sales here. But with just 231bhp for such a huge car, it won't win many races from the lights.

However, it offers adequate performance once on the move. It shares the same excellent chassis as the rest of the range.

The LS460 ($295,000) finally has the styling to match its engineering credentials. This car is still the class leader in refinement and quality.

With its all-new 380bhp V8 engine and handling to match, the LS offers the best value for people who feel a real luxury car must have exceptional performance with impeccable refinement.

The only hitch is the $5,766 annual road tax. This is $2,966 more than the tax for the S300, equivalent to a daily glass of house pour wine at a country club. To me, it's worth the price.

SPORTS CARS, COUPES & CABRIOLETS

An affordable pick worth considering is the Mazda MX-5 ($107,988). The new roadster is more refined but still retains much of the spirit of the original. However, if you insist on topless motoring for four, the Peugeot 307CC ($119,900) is a viable alternative in the same price range.

If you can stretch your budget, the Volvo C70 ($198,000) is the car for sun lovers. This is one coupe-cabriolet that is refined, stylish and spacious.

For coupe lovers, my pick would be the BMW 3-series Coupe. Unfortunately, the variant to aim for is the 335i, which costs a princely $248,800. But that is still far more accessible than my perennial favourite: the Porsche 911. The "best value'' model is the Carrera S ($425,888). It is quick, full of character and classy but might have finally met its match in the Audi R8.

The brilliant R8 is all the more amazing as it is Audi's first effort at making a supercar.

It costs a whopping $497,000, but rewards its owner with exotic performance without the need for exotic driving ability. Its 420 eager horses propel the R8 to 100kmh in just 4.6 seconds. And best of all, it looks gorgeous just standing still.

MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES

Among full-sized seven-seaters, the Honda Odyssey's pre-eminence has finally been bettered. The Ford S-Max (above, $118,000) is simply brilliant, from the way it looks to the way it drives.

It handles like a very good sedan, yet offers all the versatility of an MPV.

SPORTS-UTILITY VEHICLES & CROSSOVERS

The majority of SUVs sold here never see rougher terrain than grass. For most people, a soft SUV or crossover would best suit their needs.

Pick of the mid-range crossovers is the Mazda CX-7 ($103,188). It has the style and the space of a crossover but the handling and feel of a normal car. An alternative would be the Nissan Murano ($109,000).

Neither will win economy rallies, though. A fuel-sipping SUV would be the Daihatsu Terios 4WD ($61,200). Though diminutive in size, it nevertheless packs tremendous off-road ability while doing extremely well in the city.

However, if your pocket allows it, a tempting option is the new Land Rover Freelander 2 (left, $168,888). The second-generation model is far superior to the original in both style and performance.

The writer's opinions are entirely his own. His main criteria for selection are value for money, engineering content, comfort, design, quality, performance and economy. Prices are correct at press time.