We have just bought a new LG washing machine, the LG 6kg Direct Drive model and I have to say that I'm very impressed.
The DD motor is guaranteed for 10 years and so far is brilliantly quiet and efficient. The machine was chosen because of it's size (600mm wide, 430mm depth and 850mm high) to replace a built in machine. Built in appliances tend to be more expensive and have less features so we decided to replace it with one which slots in to the gap.
It has all the programming options you would expect (half load, choice of fabric washes, variable spin speeds etcetera) and is very easy to use. It also has some neat features like measuring the load before it starts the cycle to work out water usage and actual wash time.
Be warned though, it does have a rather melodic tune when you switch it on and when it has completed the cycle; I'm sure this won't be to everyones taste. Personally I don't care because it's really efficient at washing clothes and doesn't make a lot of noise. Time of course will be the real test.