The Laura is an enviable mixture of desirability, practicality and fun - and in all the right proportions. Splurge on the L&K, and you'll get bi-xenon headlamps that swivel with the steering wheel, a cracking audio system mated to a touchscreen unit and the DSG automatic gearbox which is the best in the business by a country mile. If you're an enthusiast, the RS in vivid exterior colors will have you salivating - although we wish it had more zing to go with its bling. Even the bare-bones Active has enough equipment, both in terms of safety and features, to keep the consumer happy. Definitely one of our favourites, even if the automatics are a little expensive.