Add to that a driving experience that's a match for the Ford Focus' and it's easy to see why the model is one of the UK's top selling cars. The ecoFLEX versions will keep your costs down if you're a business user, thanks to low fuel consumption and tax-friendly emissions.

What is it like to drive?

The Vauxhall Astra has always trailed the Ford Focus for outright driver appeal, but this current car comes closer than ever to matching its rival's talent. The steering is decently weighted and accurate, while the suspension offers stability and plenty of grip. Sports suspension is offered with SRI models and is best for keen drivers. Smaller, entry-level engines lack outright pace, with the 1.4- or 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol, or 1.3-litre CDTi turbodiesel engines being the best choices in the extensive line up. 

Is it comfortable?

The Astra is among the best in its class for soaking up poor road... Read More

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There's a choice of three engines, all of which are very inexpensive to run. It's not the cheapest small car to buy, but the Toyota Yaris is a good all-rounder.

If you plan on using the Yaris for regular motorway or A-road journeys then the 1.0-litre petrol engine probably isn't for you. It has only 68bhp and takes 15.7 seconds to get to 62mph. The newer 1.33-litre petrol engine is much stronger - it has 100bhp and will hit 62mph in 11.7 seconds. The 89bhp 1.4-litre turbodiesel version is the quickest of the bunch with a 0-62mph time of 10.7 seconds and it's extremely cheap to run. Don't expect to be excited by the Yaris in any form though, as the light steering is easy to use but won't appeal to driving fans.

Refinement and comfort

The previous Yaris wasn't renowned for comfort, but Toyota made big efforts to improve the current car on this front. There's more space in every direction for front seat passengers and the flat floor... Read More

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All three engines on offer are economical and the build quality inside is good. The Toyota is slightly pricier than rival small cars like the Vauxhall Corsa and Suzuki Swift, but it makes up for that with very low running costs.

The entry-level 1.0-litre petrol Yaris is a little unrefined and, with just 68bhp, it's quite short on power. The latest 1.33-litre petrol engine is a much better bet; it has 100bhp and will get from 0-62mph in 11.7 seconds - that's a whole four seconds faster than the 1.0-litre version. The 1.4-litre diesel version is actually the fastest of the lot and will get to 62mph in 10.7 seconds and is more capable on longer trips. The steering is very light, so the Yaris is easy to drive around town, its compact dimensions also making it easy to park.

Refinement and comfort

Toyota made a number of changes to the current Yaris to improve comfort over the previous model. There's more head-, shoulder- and legroom,... Read More

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The Toyota RAV4 is the other way around; it's a 4x4 firstly, but Toyota has adapted it so as to compete with the popular breed of crossovers. Of the four versions available, only one doesn't have all-wheel drive. The RAV4 feels a little dated, with neither the cabin flair nor on-road comfort of a car built with families in mind. However, it's well built, reliable, and diesel running costs are good.

What is it like to drive?

Whether picking the base level two-wheel drive version, which has a manual gearbox, or a 4x4 version with its standard automatic, the RAV4 feels like it was built for muddy hills rather than smooth roads. There's a lot of body lean when turning corners, and the steering doesn't have the same level of accuracy you'd expect of a family hatchback or crossover. Because you sit high, though, visibility is good in every direction, and there's a 'commanding' feeling of safety on the move. Only two engines are available, 156bhp... Read More

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There isn't much boot space, but that's not really the Toyota's selling point. It's small in every sense - especially when it comes to the list price and running costs. Identical in all but badges and some exterior body panels to Peugeot's 107 and Citroen's C1, it's worth shopping around to see which offers the best deal.

What is it like to drive?

There's only one choice of engine in the Aygo - a tiny 1.0-litre. It has only 67bhp, but the Aygo is so small and light that it still feels very willing. The little Toyota is most at home in town. It will cope with longer trips, but you'll need to work the engine and gearbox quite hard to get it up to speed. The light steering suits its inner city role perfectly, while its narrow stance and high driving position allow you to exploit gaps in the traffic that are usually reserved for motorcyclists. Pod-like instruments and clever use of colour inside makes the Aygo feel youthful and interesting... Read More

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The Auris falls short of these cars in some respects thanks to a limited engine choice and range, a slightly bland cabin, but it will prove dependable, reliable and it's very easy to drive. All versions have air conditioning and lots of useful storage pockets dotted around the entire cabin. Plus, crucially, there's space for taller adults on the back seats.

What is it like to drive?

In every respect the Auris feels an easy car to drive. The steering is quite light around town, if slightly indirect; the wheel adjusts for reach and height, and there's a big footrest for your clutch foot. Unusually, the centre console on which the gear lever is mounted is setup like a bridge, allowing the gearstick and handbrake to be placed high, comfortably close to the steering wheel. The most powerful engine, the 130bhp 1.6-litre, feels weak unless it's revved really hard - the same as the smaller 1.33-litre petrol - and then it becomes noisy. The one... Read More

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The dashboard is well laid out and build quality is impressive, as is refinement. There's a lot of space for front and rear passengers, but room is distinctly lacking in the boot. Standard equipment levels are generous and prices are low, so the SX4 offers good value for money.

What is it like to drive?

The 1.6-litre petrol engine needs a good thrashing to get the SX4 moving, but when you do this the Suzuki drives decently enough. The 1.6- and 2.0-litre DDiS turbodiesel models are much easier going and the former in particular is very economical. The steering and pedals are very light to use, so the Suzuki is at home in urban areas. Considering the SX4's height, body roll is minimal and the steering is accurate - it's a lot like a larger version of the Swift hatchback. 

Refinement and comfort

The 1.6-litre petrol engine makes a bit of racket, as it's usually revving quite high, but the diesels are... Read More

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There's plenty of space inside the cabin, but the slightly small boot lets it down. Apart from that, there's little not to like about the Suzuki and it's a worthy and cheaper alternative to class leaders like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo.

What is it like to drive?

There are four engines available in the Swift - either 1.3-, 1.5- or 1.6-litre petrol or a 1.3-litre DDiS turbodiesel. The entry-level 1.3-litre 91bhp engine is quick enough, but it needs to be worked hard to get the Swift moving at motorway speeds. The 1.5 has 101bhp, so it's more capable at high speeds, but it has an automatic gearbox as standard, which doesn't suit it. The 123bhp 1.6-litre engine in the Sport model is very fast, but it's the 68bhp 1.3-litre diesel engine that's the best all-rounder - it's actually quite fast, despite the low power output, and very capable at motorway speeds. The steering is light and precise and there's very little body roll and plenty of... Read More

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It gets the basics right: the ride is mostly comfortable, it's quite spacious up front, and it's extremely cheap to run. However, the boot is miniscule, the driving position doesn't have much adjustment, and the most expensive of the three trim levels is priced against more accomplished rivals.

What is it like to drive?

The 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine is one of the few elements of the Alto that provides genuine character, with its distinctive growl. Don't be fooled though - the 67bhp engine is built for economy, not speed. It means you'll be changing gear a lot, and will need to rev the engine hard to extract its power, especially up hills. The driving position is fundamentally fine - the car has plenty of headroom and the pedals are well spaced - though SZ2 versions don't get seat height or wheel reach adjustment. All round visibility is good and the turning circle small, making parking easy, but steering behaviour could be better -... Read More

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All the engines are willing - with the small 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine not trailing the diesel choices too far on economy. Even entry-level E Yetis come with air conditioning, though S models add alloy wheels and a knee airbag for a few hundred pounds more.

What is it like to drive?

Thanks to its upright, easily adjusted driver's seat and large glazed area, the view out of the Yeti is good, and the boxy, easy-to-see extremities make parking it a cinch. The controls are all light and easy, the steering accurate and gearshift positive. The small 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine with 105bhp should be ample for most buyers, its fine performance backed up with 44mpg economy. It's good enough to ignore the larger 1.8 TSI petrol or the 2.0-litre turbodiesel in its various outputs - unless you plan on doing large mileages. Four-wheel drive models feel little different to drive on the road, though off-road they're surprisingly capable. A DSG automatic... Read More

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An update in 2009 resulted in a redesigned front, an improved interior and the addition of new engines. The diesels are the best sellers, with the Greenline model particularly economical. The sportier vRS version is available with a choice of powerful petrol or diesel engines.

What is it like to drive?

Thanks to well-sorted, supple suspension, and light, accurate steering, the Octavia is makes a fine long distance cruiser. It soaks up bumps in the road well and there's plenty of grip on offer. Stability is impressive - for example, the car is unaffected by motorway crosswinds. The cheapest 1.4-litre petrol engine feels slow, but the other TSI petrol engines all offer a good blend of performance and refinement. TDI diesels are the most popular. The vRS versions feature sportier suspension settings, which makes them less comfortable, though buyers will like their hot hatch performance.

Is it comfortable?
Read More

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The Estate is available with an equally wide choice of engines, from the entry-level 1.6-litre to the newer 1.2-, 1.4- and 1.8-litre TSI petrol options and of course the best-selling 1.6-, 1.9- and 2.0-litre TDI diesels. There is a highly efficient Greenline model and sportier vRS versions. Additionally, the Estate is available with four-wheel drive. A special version called Scout also features increased ground clearance.

What is it like to drive?

Although the Octavia Estate is little heavier than the hatchback, you won't notice this in the road. The cheapest 1.6-litre petrol engine is adequate, though not as impressive in terms of performance as the newer TSI petrol engines. TDI diesels really suit the Octavia Estate, especially if you intend to tow a trailer or caravan. The 1.9-litre TDI is loud and harsh though. The vRS versions are fast and more stable at higher speeds than the regular models. The 4x4 Scout offers limited off road... Read More

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Practical, decently priced and with a broad spread of engines and trim choices - as well as the availability of an estate model - there should be a Fabia to fit everyone. The vRS model is a riot to drive, while green-minded motorists will be able to eke out over 80mpg from the fuel-sipping Greenline variant.

What is it like to drive?

The Fabia feels narrower than most of its chunky supermini rivals, which is a boon in town and tight parking spaces. The suspension copes with nasty bumps with ease, while the steering is light and accurate. The entry-level three-cylinder petrol engines are noisy but willing, while the more powerful TSI petrol engines deliver good pace combined with great economy. If maximum mpg is your goal then only the diesels will do, with the 1.6-litre in any of its outputs - ranging from 75- to 105bhp - delivering 67mpg, though even that's trumped by the Greenline model, which exceeds 80mpg. The 180bhp vRS is fun, but... Read More

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A low driving position adds to the car's emphasis on performance and fun. All the engines impress, spanning from the small and economical to the very quick indeed. 

What is it like to drive?

The Leon's adjustable driving position is set low to the floor, which makes this car feel sporty and special from the moment you climb aboard.

The rev counter is mounted centrally and models from Sport level upwards get seats that hold you tight. The thick steering wheel has a small circumference and the pedals feel weighty without being difficult to push. The steering is accurate, gear change slick and road holding very good. FR and Cupra versions feature clever electronics that aid faster cornering, too. The 1.2- and 1.4-litre petrol engines feel a little slow, whereas the 1.6-litre TDI balances strong pulling power and good economy. Cupra and Cupra R versions are very fast indeed, with sporty steering and taut suspension to match... Read More

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Boot space is not the best, although the five-door version does offer reasonable practicality for small families. All versions offer a range of small, economical engines - the same found in the VW Polo. Inside, you'll find a comfortable driving position and appealing design, though overall comfort suffers because of firm suspension.

What is it like to drive?

The steering is quick and accurate and the driving position is low set and comfy. The gearboxes feel firm and slick to use. That applies to eco-friendly Ecomotive versions as much as to the range-topping high-performance FR and Cupra models. However, the Ibiza has a variety of suspension setups, all firm to a greater or lesser extent. It means that around town the cabin can become unsettled or shaky, thumping into potholes and generally feeling a little harsh. It gets more apparent the further up the range you go; the SC version, which is supposed to be sportier, is noticeably less... Read More

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It also offers loads of standard equipment and plenty of safety features. The engine range offers one petrol and two diesel engines - though we'd recommend either of the diesel over the petrol variant. Build quality is exceptional. There are bigger estates around, but the Exeo ST is a fine choice for the money.

What is it like to drive?

The Exeo ST offers a choice of three engines: a 2.0-litre TSI petrol and two 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 141- and 168bhp. The petrol version is pretty powerful, with 208bhp, but it's neither as economical nor as smooth as the diesels, which are well-rounded options that return good economy and performance. The steering is precise and the tyres offer lots of grip; stability control is standard on all versions, so the Exeo stays in check in slippery conditions.

Refinement and comfort

The suspension offers a good dose of comfort, but the car feels a little bouncy over... Read More

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The choice of engines is a little limited for a saloon, but the ones that there are, especially the diesels, are reliable performers. Running costs and prices are pleasingly low, too.

What is it like to drive?

The steering is relatively precise and there's plenty of grip during cornering. The SEAT is very comfortable and at home on long motorway journeys.

There's only one petrol engine - a 2.0-litre TSI - and a pair of 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines with 141- and 168bhp. They've all been used in other cars from the Volkswagen Group (which SEAT is part of) before, so they're tried and tested and offer respectable performance. The TSI petrol engine makes the Exeo very quick off the mark with a 0-62mph time of only 7.1 seconds, but it's not as well suited to a big, comfortable saloon as the smoother, less frenetic diesels are.

Refinement and comfort

The standard Exeo is comfortable, but the... Read More

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The boot is practical and the interior is spacious, but there are more practical and roomy people carriers available - many with more than the five seats offered in the Altea. It's based on the Volkswagen Golf, so solid build quality is a given. Equipment levels are good and prices are reasonable, so the Altea makes for affordable and fun family transport.

What is it like to drive?

Steer clear of the entry-level 1.4 S version, as it's not really powerful enough for the Altea. The 1.2- and 1.4-litre TSI engines are well worth a look though, as they're punchy, quite cheap to run and good value. The 1.6-, 1.9- and 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines are excellent. They're more than capable enough in terms of performance - even the smaller 1.6 - and they suit the Altea well. The steering is accurate and the brakes are sharp, while there's very little body roll during corners. The SEAT generally feels composed and safe on the move.
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The Wind is also one of the most affordable cabriolets around, undercutting the majority of its rivals with its generous equipment levels and low list price. The only let down is the interior, which feels quite cheap.

What is it like to drive?

There are two engine options, both petrol: a 1.2-litre turbocharged 'TCe' engine with 99bhp and a 1.6-litre 131bhp engine. The smaller engine actually suits the Wind better than the larger one, as it's much easier to drive, despite being less powerful. The 1.6 needs to be worked hard to get the Renault moving, and you'll find yourself revving it to the high heavens on the open road. The Wind is good to drive though, with light and accurate steering and plenty of grip.

Refinement and comfort

The Renault Wind's body shakes as the car travels over bumps at low speed, but that's not uncommon in a small convertible. The Wind comes with 16-inch alloy wheels as standard... Read More

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What is it like to drive?

The Scenic offers reassuring handling, with a smooth ride and accurate steering. What's more, the high driving position means visibility is good all-round . The entry-level 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel offers adequate performance and is inexpensive to run. The larger 1.9 and 2.0-litre dCi turbodiesels offer a more relaxed driving experience, and are better suited to the motorway. The 1.6-litre petrol engine is best avoided and the 2.0-litre petrol is only available as an automatic.

Is it comfortable?

There is more space inside the Scenic than ever before. It's longer, so all passengers benefit from extra leg and knee room over the previous model. Refinement is excellent and wind and road noise is limited. The clever dashboard layout places the instruments as far back towards the windscreen as possible, which frees up extra room in the front for the driver and passenger.
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