car reviews

Some cars some suit the transition from hatch to estate, but not the Astra. It’s that bit more lifeless and legroom barely grows

Ford's previous form in crossovers is a bit spotty. Spoiler alert: this one's a good 'un

When you look at what people might own – a big estate or crossover most likely – the C5 X is fine value

Finding fault with the A3 Sportback is quite hard. Right now, it’s the most roundly talented premium hatch there is

Like the Yaris, but fancy something slightly taller? You'll like this slightly taller Yaris

The Symbioz is a perfectly fine family runabout, but lacks a little sparkle in an ever-crowded sector

The car you'd want for a long journey across mixed roads, but it wouldn't get you out bed earlier

A comprehensive little supermini that holds its own against the competition

The Nissan Qashqai gets some worthy improvements as part of a chunky facelift. Does the job admirably, not really one for the enthusiast. Obviously

A great looking car with a myriad of drivetrain options. Shame the Skoda Octavia exists

VW’s coupe-crossover will win some fans for its sportier looks, but otherwise it’s easily forgettable

A supremely complete crossover. And better to drive than it strictly needs to be

The looks might be polarising but it's not actually ugly and certainly not – bigger crime – bland

Newly facelifted eighth-gen Golf remains the lingua-franca of the hatch world. A finely polished machine

Familiar with the Golf? No surprises here, but there are plenty more interesting options out there

If you’re not quite ready to go electric yet then you could do a lot worse than the baby Skoda

The best supermini to drive, and arguably the class leader. But the supermini class isn’t what it once was and the Clio is missing its joie de vivre

Another worthy crossover. Comfy, roomy, but it won’t tug your heartstrings

Vauxhall's biggest crossover looks the part, but a very ordinary drive makes it otherwise easily forgettable. Wait for the next gen

The new MG 3 deserves its place at the supermini table. Good to drive, frugal to run, and cheap as they come

The Leaf was once a trailblazer, but now it looks like an anachronism in the electric landscape