Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk The second generation of the BMW 1 Series hatchback is packed with more gadgetry than ever, including new, super-efficient petrol and diesel engines, and lots of equipment you would expect to see on larger luxury cars. There's greater scope for personalisation (a bit like the MINI) too.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk In the face of criticism that its cars lacked quality, character and prestige, Citroen tried to give the current C5 plenty of all three. Few family saloons, are as comfortable, and the interior build quality is excellent. A 1.6 or 2.0 HDi diesel engine in VTR+ specification will offer the best mix of cheap running costs, punchy performance and lots of desirable equipment.
Full Review at: www.carbuyer.co.uk Thanks to its impressive build quality and carefully designed interior, the A4 feels every bit as special as rivals from BMW and Mercedes. With light, accurate steering, plus excellent performance from all of the engines, the Audi A4 is a comfortable, unfussy car to drive. Four-wheel drive is standard with the A4's more powerful engines, while front-wheel-drive versions are best for low running costs. Economy-minded drivers should go for the 2.0 TDIe diesel. Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey www.autoexpress.co.uk
Full Review at: www.carbuyer.co.uk With its clever seating arrangement, top practicality and good build quality, the Zafira makes a great family car. It's competitively priced, too, and offers a wide choice of engines and trim levels. The ride is comfortable and the big Vauxhall soaks up bumps with ease. The Zafira is available with a huge panoramic glass roof, which also features overhead storage. This is a worthwhile addition, as it allows loads of light into the cabin and improves practicality. The sporty VXR version is a great choice for those who need a more practical motor, but don't want to give up on driving thrills -- it's very quick and a lot sportier than its rivals. Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey www.autoexpress.co.uk
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk We are big fans of the Vauxhall Astra - which has has been around in its various forms since 1979. This model arrived in 2009 and it immediately impressed with a cabin capable of rivaling Volkswagen's class-leading Golf for fit and finish. With secure handling and decent refinement, the driving experience comes close to rivaling that of the Ford Focus. A wide range of engine and trim levels are available, and entry level cars can be bought for relatively cheaply. You'll need to spend a few thousand pounds more than that if you want any luxury. We would recommend the 1.4-litre petrol turbo. The ecoFLEX versions will keep your costs down if you're a business user, thanks to low fuel consumption and tax-friendly emissions. Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey www.autoexpress.co.uk
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk Good to look at and even better to drive, the Jaguar XF is everything a top British luxury car should be. Its leather-trimmed interior is wonderfully detailed, and a world away from the dark, sombre cabins of many Audis and BMWs. Refined and well equipped, we say it's one of the best executive cars money can buy. The range is limited, though. The 3.0 V6 diesel engine is the top-seller, although the V6 petrol engine is cheaper to buy - but it's less powerful and economical. High-performance V8 petrol and supercharged XFR variants offer incredible pace and for their performance, reasonable economy. Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey www.autoexpress.co.uk
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk The Peugeot 508 is the firm's latest contender in the family car class. The looks may be a little divisive but at least they stand out, and this car's abilities are far more than skin deep. As well as being good to drive it's also luxurious and comfortable. The only problem could be with its price -- in range-topping trim it comes close to accomplished executive models such as the BMW 3-Series.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk The Toyota GT86 has been charged with injecting a little excitement into the Japanese brand's dull and dependable image. Developed in partnership with Subaru, the rear-wheel drive coupe promises to mix driving fun with great value for money. The GT 86 is priced at around £25000, and is aimed squarely at entry-level versions of the evergreen Audi TT. While the Toyota isn't as attractive as the sleek Audi or muscular Nissan 370Z, it still has the ability to turn heads. And what the interior lacks in quality and cutting edge design, it more than makes up for with generous standard kit. But the GT86 is car that demands to be driven rather than looked at. Sharp and engaging handling, a characterful 2.0-litre flat four petrol engine and strong brakes help make the Toyota a number one choice for back road blasts. Get six issues of our sister title, Auto Express magazine for £1: subscribe.autoexpress.co.uk
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk The new B-Class is a compact MPV, positioned as a premium rival to the Ford C-MAX and Volkswagen Golf Plus. It's built around an all-new front-wheel drive platform that will be used for the new A-Class and three other brand new models. The interior layout is versatile and spacious, as well as maintaining Mercedes' reputation for high-quality.
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk The Honda Jazz has a particularly loyal customer base in the UK thanks to its huge versatility, space and reliability. The clever, quick folding rear seats and masses of room allow the Jazz to compete not just in the supermini marketplace, but also alongside mini-MPV models like Skoda's Roomster. It's not cheap, and choice is limited to 1.2- and 1.4-litre petrol engines - with an automatic transmission offered with the 1.4-litre engine. Entry-level S trim is poorly specified, though the ES models are reasonably equipped. Avoid ticking the satellite navigation option box as it's very expensive. Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey www.autoexpress.co.uk
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk The Skoda Yeti is a well-priced 'crossover' alternative to conventional family hatchbacks like the Ford Focus. The majority of Yetis are front-wheel drive, but the raised suspension does mean it'll venture further off road than most regular cars, while speed bumps in town hold absolutely no fear.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk It's not just the fact that this is one of the best value, best built superminis money can, buy... It's what lies underneath that counts too! Based on the same secure, safe chassis that underpins the excellent Volkswagen Polo, the Fabia offers space, pace and practicality in equal measure. A new 1.2-litre TSI engine, which gets both a supercharger and a turbocharger adds a sporty yet economical dimension to the line up -- which includes both hatchback models and a capable estate. We really like the optional seven speed semi-automatic gearbox, which is easy to use and adds to fuel economy. Capable of matching the sleek Ford Fiesta for driver appeal, the Fabia's more conservative looks, and all round versatility also appeals to those for whom the Ford's styling is just a bit too wild. Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey www.autoexpress.co.uk
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk The Audi A5 Coupe takes the underpinnings of a four-door A4 saloon and wraps them in a two-door body. Put the two side-by-side, though, and you'll see the A5 is the much sportier looking car. It's lower and wider, and has less rear head and legroom than the A4, although the boot is nearly as big.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is the best family hatchback the firm has ever made. Buyers are offered plenty of choice, with four trim levels - each of which is well equipped - and five engines, all of them economical. It's good looking, and the interior strikes a good balance between user-friendly simplicity and appealing style.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk The Hyundai i30 is aiming for the top of its class - it's the Korean brand's latest rival to the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus, sharing many exterior styling cues with its bigger brother, the Hyundai i40. The striking looks and upmarket cabin are combined with some of the highest equipment levels in the family hatchback sector. All models come with Bluetooth, LED daytime running lights, a multi-function steering wheel and electric heated door mirrors.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk The Rio is Kia's entry in the supermini class and a cheaper alternative to the Ford Fiesta. All-new for 2011, it continues Kia's march upmarket and benefits from smart, contemporary styling, generous space inside and an appealing engine range -- two diesels (1.1-litre and 1.4) and two petrols (1.25 and 1.4).
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk The latest XJ is Jaguar's all-new high-technology flagship. Not only is it the most distinctive looking road car the firm has ever designed, it's also more fun to drive than rivals from Mercedes and BMW.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk The Kia Optima is an attempt to introduce something a little more daring to a segment that includes dull but worthy models like the Toyota Avensis. Its bold looks and well-appointed cabin will draw some attention and it also comes fitted with a 1.7-litre diesel that provides a good balance between performance and running costs.
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk The Touareg SUV was originally launched in 2003 and then significantly updated in 2010. It majors on luxury, although it also has the capability to tackle more extreme conditions than most drivers will ever experience. The latest version is much lighter than the original, despite being bigger.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk With the launch of the Audi Q3, the firm has entered the growing market for crossovers - cars which look like big, chunky off-roaders, but are as easy to drive and economical as a family hatchback. The Q3 is a direct rival for the BMW X1, MINI Countryman and Range Rover Evoque, and is built to Audi's usual high standards. Interior quality is excellent, and there's space for five inside
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk The latest generation of the Mercedes M-Class was introduced in late 2011 as Mercedes lifted its game against rivals that have emerged in the decade since it spawned this segment: the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5. The M-Class is nearly four-metres long and has a massive load area, regardless of which of model you choose. The ML 250 starts the range with a 202bhp 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, then there's the volume-selling ML 350 with its 255bhp V6 turbodiesel. If it's power you're after rather than efficiency, there's the ML 63 AMG complete with 518bhp 5.5-litre twin turbo V8 -- the most powerful Mercedes 4x4 ever sold. All offer luxurious equipment levels, fit and finish as well as an imposing road presence.
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk The Volkswagen Golf is a classy and well-built rival to the Ford Focus. Its neat interior, class leading refinement and smart looks cement its place as one of the most desirable cars in its class. The extensive model range gives choice for all budgets, the TSI petrol engines being smooth and the turbodiesels being strong on economy. The GTI and R models are sporting models that compete with the likes of the Ford Focus ST and RS, but neither is cheap. Refinement is high on the Golf's agenda -- and from the driver's seat, it's as quiet as a luxury car. That raises it above rivals like the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra for outright comfort. Built quality is first rate across the entire range, from the entry S models right up to the enjoyable GTI and R range-toppers. Smaller TSI petrol engines deliver above expectations, TDI diesels offer punchy performance and excellent economy, while the clever DSG automatic gearbox option is smooth and easy to operate. Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey www.autoexpress.co.uk
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk The Volkswagen Passat has always been a favourite among long distance drivers - its fantastic ability to eat up long motorway journeys is almost unrivalled- the new version is no different. The suspension is soft enough to soak up rough road surfaces while the cabin gets lots of sound-deadening insulation. This means engine and road noise are almost unnoticable at cruising speed - something that helps the miles fly by!
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk French firm Citroen is heading upmarket with its new DS range by introducing special variants of its existing models to give buyers that something extra. The high-riding DS4 hatchback offers style, practicality and a sportier driving experience, with plenty of luxury touches thrown in. Purchasers can choose from five powerplants -- three petrols and two diesels. Equipment levels are high and sophisticated touches abound.
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk The latest four-wheel drive SUV from BMW, the X3 is a very accomplished road car that sits just below the X5 in BMW's impressive line-up.
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk Citroen's C3 supermini lays claim to being one of the most comfortable cars in its class. With a well constructed interior, plus a practical boot, it offers plenty of space for driver and passengers. Couple that with the smooth ride, and refined engines, and the C3 adds up to a capable rival to the likes of the Mazda 2 and Renault Clio. The C3 is in its element around town, thanks to good visibility, and accurate steering. Nearly all C3 models feature a panoramic windscreen that distinguishes the car from its rivals. Several engine options are offered by Citroen though the best value is had in the middle of the range with either 1.4-litre petrol or HDi turbodiesel options. Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey www.autoexpress.co.uk
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk It's hard to find fault with the Hyundai i20, as it beats rivals hands-down for the amount of equipment you get for the money. Prices for basic versions are low, while equipment levels are generous. Even entry-level models get air-conditioning and electric windows. Running costs will hardly break the bank either. Rivals like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo look expensive in comparison to the i20, especially when you factor in Hyundai's excellent five-year warranty and highly praised customer service. Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey www.autoexpress.co.uk
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk Good to look at and even better to drive, the Vauxhall Astra GTC is aimed at the likes of the Volkswagen Scirocco and Renault Megane Coupé. It's competitively priced and generously equipped. We particularly like the look of the car, and have been impressed by its sporty drive.
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk The Tiguan looks like a 4x4 and has some off-road ability, but it's made with city roads and motorways in mind. It is designed to offer the benefits enjoyed by 4x4 owners - a high, commanding driving position, cabin space, and a feeling of safety - while being relatively compact.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk With its retro looks, Fiat's 500 scores big with drivers who want their car to make a bold statement. It's a case of form over function though, for those with growing families -- the 500's rear seats, and small boot are too small to seat all but the very youngest children in comfort. That said, if practicality is not at the top of your wishlist the 500 is an excellent choice. It has a smart interior and a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines. A new two-cylinder engine, launched December 2010, offers almost 100mpg. Both hatchback and cabriolet versions of the 500 are available, and for those who crave extra performance, a potent Abarth version with 150bhp is also built. Do you own this car? Let us know what you think about it with the Driver Power Survey www.autoexpress.co.uk
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Full review: www.carbuyer.co.uk Porsche shook up the performance 4x4 marketplace when it introduced the big Cayenne. It shifted perceptions of how well a tall, heavy 4x4 could drive. All the engines provide ample performance, with even the entry-level V6 petrol and diesel models able to accelerate from 0-62mph in less than eight seconds.
