30: Hyundai Tucson – Ireland’s best-selling car eclipses traditiona saloons and hatchbacks

The Tucson has retained its position as the best selling car in Ireland for a second year in 2017.

That speak volumes, both for the colossal sales figures the chunky Hyundai racked up in 2016, and for the fact that the big-ish SUV or crossover has suddenly, totally eclipsed more traditional saloons and hatchbacks as our favoured choice.

The Tucson’s success is built on simplicity. It offers a few trim lines, all well-equipped; three engines, realistically only one of which (the 1.7 CRDI diesel) people will ever actually buy; and the prospect of competitive pricing, a long warranty, and a lack of showy razzmatazz which people seem to appreciate.

To drive, the Tucson is rather dull, but that’s not the point. It’s steady and sure-footed, it’s roomy and comfortable, it’s tolerably refined and safe. All of which, as we can see from incontrovertible numbers, sells.

31: Lexus GS – one of the consistently satisfying big executive cars around

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32: Mercedes-Benz C-Class – Well-thought out premium saloon

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33: Skoda Superb – simply put, it lives up to its name

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34: Nissan Qashqai – the ubiquitous Irish crossover

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You could argue that Hyundai should be offering a more enticing petrol option, or a plugin model (which is assuredly on the way) but why alter the course of a steady, profitable, ship?

Best model: 1.7 CRDI Executive

Prices start from: €26,245

Finance package from: €250

CO2 emissions: 119-147g/km

Sum-up: About as exciting as RTÉ's Nationwide, but lots of people watch that, don't they?