A compact luxury SUV that is genuinely easy to live with. The GLK is small enough to park anywhere in the city but sits high enough to make a long drive relaxed, and the cabin stays quiet at speed. This one has heated leather seats, a moonroof, parking sensors and push-button start. It is the sensible pick when you want something nicer than a standard rental sedan without stepping up to a full-size SUV — equally at home on the airport run, a weekend away, or collecting a client.

The E-Class is the car to arrive in. Quiet, softly sprung and effortless over distance, with a cabin that isolates you from the road in a way this price class usually does not manage. Ideal for client-facing trips, weddings, or any journey where turning up composed matters more than turning up quickly. Comfortable for four adults and their bags, and relaxed enough that a three-hour drive costs you nothing. Premium fuel.

The four-door Wrangler Rubicon is the one to take off the pavement. Four-wheel drive, a removable roof and a hard top mean you can open it up for a canyon run and close it up for the drive home, and the tow package handles a small trailer or a pair of dirt bikes. Inside it is better equipped than a Wrangler's reputation suggests — heated leather seats, navigation, backup camera and a light bar on top. Seats five, and it is happiest on a trailhead, a beach road, or anywhere the map stops.

The Camry is the safe answer to almost any question. Reliable, quiet and efficient, roomy enough for four adults on a long drive, with the SE's slightly firmer suspension adding a little interest without costing comfort. This one carries navigation, lane assist, keyless entry, a USB charger and both CarPlay and Android Auto. If you want a car that simply does the job for a week and returns good fuel numbers, start here.