An email sent to me by reader Rob Lightbody provides an ideal starting point for this final report and ties in nicely with the mission statement for our long-term test car displayed above. “As the own

ESSENTIALS Volkswagen Golf R32 Price (new): £22,340 Powertrain: 3.2-litre V6, 238bhp 0-62mph: 6.6 seconds Top speed: 153mph Fuel Consumption: 24.4mpg Annual VED: £430 Alfa Romeo 147 GTA Price (new): £

£254,200 OTR/£282,000 as tested/£5,077 pcm WHY IT’S HERE: What has a hybrid makeover – and Mulliner buffing – added to the world’s best grand tourer? DRIVER: Ollie Kew IT’S 5AM, AND YOU JOIN ME AT hom

List price £47,670 Best price £47,670 MPG 218.5 CO2 29g/km For PHEV’s outstanding efficiency and electric range; hushed and comfy cruiser; vast boot; smart interior Against Pricier than some rivals; a

Our pick 1.0 TCe 110 Expression List price £20,270 Best price £20,270 Engine 3cyl, 999cc, turbo, petrol Gearbox 6-spd manual 0-62mph 11.2sec Top speed 114mph Fuel economy 47.9mpg CO2 132g/km WANT A LO

There’s no shortage of variety with used BMWs. But the bargains? That’s a trickier path to tread – let CAR be your guide