APRIL

Saab 9-3 TiD convertible

SAAB is the latest manufacturer to offer a diesel-engined soft-top. The 9-3 range gains the 150bhp common rail turbodiesel which is found under the bonnets of various Saab and Vauxhall cars. User-choosers will be a key target for the four-seater car thanks to its low CO2 emissions of 169g/km, putting it in the 23% benefit-in-kind tax band. Prices range from £25,370 for the Linear to £27,664 for the range-topping Vector.

Mercedes-Benz SL

THE flagship SL has always been a gorgeous-looking car, and now it’s even better. A host of detail revisions have been made for the 2006 model year, but the real differences are under the bonnet. The three models – SL350, SL500 and SL600 – all gain power boosts, as well as a new gearbox and improved road-holding capabilities. Prices have risen slightly, with the range now costing from £62,885 to £101,220.