If you value reliability over character in a car, buy Japanese. If stark efficiency is your thing, go German. Want something that is more show than go? Choose American. For practicality and panache, look no further than a French car. Something Swedish will give you solidity and safety, whilst choosing Italian will give you style, brio and personality over dependability. But what about choosing something British? If luxury, sportiness and a degree of quirkiness feature highly on your list of desirable attributes, you can’t go too far wrong with a new Land Rover, Jaguar, Rolls-Royce or even a Mini.