Honda CR-V Price: $24,985 - $34,635

Versatility, competency, and reliability are the tenets on which the CR-V hangs its hat, hence its 2017 10Best award. Supportive seats and a firm but supple ride make it easy to live with. The interior is quiet, handsome, and roomy. The base engine is a 184-hp 2.4-liter four, while a 190-hp 1.5-liter turbo four is optional. A CVT (one of the best available) and front-wheel drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional. The Touring gets automated emergency braking and other safety gear.

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Mazda CX-5 Price: $22,675 - $30,770

Mazda’s ethos is to blend sports-car know-how into every model, and the CX-5 is no exception. Sharp steering and a poised chassis make it the enthusiast’s pick. A 155-hp 2.0-liter four, six-speed manual, and front-wheel drive are standard; a 184-hp 2.5-liter four is optional, with six-speed auto and all-wheel drive. The smart cabin, easy-to-use infotainment, and optional safety tech—adaptive cruise, automated emergency braking, and more—underscore the CX-5’s great all-rounder standing.

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Ford Escape Price: $24,645 - $31,895

With athletic looks and a quiet, stylish interior, the Escape distinguishes itself in a crowd of small crossovers. The base engine is a 168-hp four-cylinder, but we recommend the 179-hp turbo four or the 245-hp turbo four. All have front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional on turbos. Handling is precise and predictable, but the steering feels rubbery. Ford’s Sync 3 is controlled by an 8.0-inch touchscreen with voice recognition. A properly

EQUIPPED Escape can tow 3500 pounds.

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Honda Civic

The Civic exemplifies automotive excellence and blends fun with efficiency and practicality. Precise steering, a solid chassis, and a well-tuned suspension provide both a compliant ride and sweet handling. Sedans and coupes get a 158-hp 2.0-liter four or a 174-hp 1.5-liter turbo four paired with a six-speed manual or a CVT. The turbo is standard on the hatchback; a 180-hp Sport version is optional. Interior room is good, but taller drivers may find that the front seats lack thigh support.

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Ferrari California and Marcus Wareing: a perfect recipe

Autumn in North Wales seems to SUIT this journey. The Ferrari California T I’ve taken to visit a supplier is a vivid red on the inside, but the exterior is black and I prefer it that way. I love Ferraris, there’s no other marque like it, but I’d rather not shout about it. The desire to blast around bends is a personal one. I’m not sharing this automotive feast with anyone.

The dark paint fits the noir mood as the clouds descend and I sweep into the Rhug estate in Denbighshire. I’d made my way across the country in leisurely style from London to meet Lord Newborough, whose family have resided here since 1637, and his amazing team of farmers, butchers and gamekeepers. The 12,500-acre landscape of patchwork fields and forest is truly stunning. The animals reared here include bison as well as cows, lambs and poultry.

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