Audi A3 Saloon

The latest Audi A3 has a lot to recommend it and, to our eyes at least, the saloon version brings a dose of extra style to the line-up. With its traditional 'four doors and a boot' design, the Audi may lack the extrovert looks of the Mercedes CLA, but it makes up for that with a genuinely upmarket feel - especially if you can afford the LED headlamps and the S Line trim. It's not a cheap car when compared with VW Group stablemates such as the...

Skoda fabia

The Skoda Fabia has been produced since 1999, and has always been well know for being comfortable, spacious and great value for money. This third generation doesn't disappoint, with plenty of interior space and handy practical storage solutions. Prices have taken a hike, but they’re offset slightly by the better standard equipment. The new Fabia is powered by a good range of engines, including two three-cylinder 1.0-litre MPI units...

BMW 3 Series Touring

BMW’s brilliant 3 Series is our reigning compact executive champ, thanks to its blend of fun driving dynamics, strong performance, low running costs and rock-solid build quality. In Touring form, the desirable German machine adds family-friendly practicality - it's BMW's response to the Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes C-Class estate. As with the 3 Series saloon, the Touring is the sharpest handling compact executive estate you can buy, but...

Ford Galaxy AWD

Four-wheel drive gives seven-seat Ford Galaxy extra grip for winter weather. As with the S-MAX AWD, the Ford Galaxy AWD is difficult to justify in the UK market due to its higher running costs and purchase price. It’s still good to drive, practical and has plenty of equipment on board, so don’t be put off the seven-seater as a whole. We’d just save some money and go for the front-wheel-drive version instead. Ford’s all-wheel-drive range...

BBR Mazda MX-5

Tuning firm BBR makes Mazda MX-5 roadster more powerful and even more fun. Hand over your MX-5 to BBR, and you’ll drive away a car that handles, sounds and performs better than the already brilliant standard model. BBR has managed to keep the Mazda’s famous character intact, but inject the pace and precision customers have been craving. At £1,995, the upgrade comes at a reasonable price, while performance fans will also be pleased to...

Lexus RX 450h 2016

The new RX has improved over the outgoing model in near enough every way. It’s faster, more efficient and more luxurious, but somehow still manages to miss the spot. This top-spec car is eye-wateringly expensive, and it’s still not as good as rivals from behind the wheel. Still, it’s supremely comfortable, and being able to waft around town in complete silence is a boon. To some, this will be the perfect SUV; but for most, it’s not quite...

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is a good-looking, reliable crossover that's solidly built, reasonably efficient and fun to drive. One of the very best crossovers you can buy, the Mazda CX-5 is well made, really enjoyable to drive and good-looking too. Recent upgrades have improved the interior ambience and upped the technology levels so it's now on a par with rivals. The interior isn't quite as spacious as the most practical crossovers and compact 4x4's...

Citroen C4 Picasso

The mid-sized Citroen C4 Picasso combines style, practicality, efficiency and comfort in a very tempting, family friendly package. The C4 Picasso is a fine example of Citroen doing MPVs well. It’s one of the most spacious and economical mid-sized people carriers on the market and it’s also an interesting looking car with a futuristic interior. The most efficient model in the range, the BlueHDi 100 diesel, claims 74.3mpg...