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Previous versions of the Subaru Legacy Estate had a reputation for offering robust, practical transport. Even though the current version has added a dose of much needed luxury and interior comfort, it sticks to those principles. Available only as an estate and with just two engines and trim levels, the range isn’t massive, but all cars have plenty of equipment and offer punchy performance. Four-wheel drive is standard, and while it's not an SUV in terms of ground clearance, it can handle surprisingly rough terrain. On smoother roads it's comfortable, and has loads of space for people and luggage.

The new Kia Cee’d is more of a rival than ever before for the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. It's a stylish, spacious small family car with a quality interior, lots of equipment and economical engines. And, of course, there's Kia's excellent buying package that includes a seven year warranty. The ride errs on the side of comfort rather than sportiness, which is no bad thing, but there is a slightly firm edge to it on poor road surfaces. Engines available are two petrols and two diesels – 1.4s and 1.6s in both – while there's only the one five-door body style at the moment. The boot is bigger than in a Ford Focus, while space in the back for adults is above average – there's lots of leg and head room. The biggest disappointment is the steering, which feels overly light.

The Delta is a five-door family hatchback similar in size to the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. Originally released as a Lancia in Europe, the Delta is now sold by Chrysler in the UK making use of the already well-established dealer network. Parent company Fiat supply a range of engines for UK customers including two petrols and a two diesels. Our pick of the range is the 1.6-litre diesel engine as it offers low running costs and a torquey power delivery - it is very noisy though. The smaller 1.4-litre petrols can prove to be quite thirsty but are better suited to shorter journeys. All variants are spacious inside and come with air conditioning and six airbags as standard.

Mercedes’ E-Class Cabriolet is not just stylish and comfortable – it's one of the few four-seat drop-tops that's as comfortable to drive with the roof down as it is with it closed. Thank the innovative 'Aircap' for that. It's a cleverly designed wind deflector that keeps draughts at bay in the E-Class Cabriolet's cabin. Mercedes-Benz bucked the growing trend for folding hardtops and instead used a more traditional fabric roof. That has some advantages, not least that the boot can offer more space with the roof stowed. Seven engines and two trim levels give buyers plenty of choice, including diesel options - the E-Class Cabriolet is the first open-topped Mercedes-Benz to be offered with diesel engines.

The Citroen DS5 is the third ‘DS’ offering from Citroen and is aimed at the executive segment – putting it up against models like the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia. But the Citroen offers something different. It looks like a mix between an estate and a hatchback with a jacked-up ride height and boasts styling that's certain to turn heads. The interior is top-notch too with options like watch-strap leather sats and aircraft style switches that sit above the driver's head. It's a real step up in quality and style compared to Citroens of the past. Underneath the bonnet, the most important powertrain is the Hybrid4 which – on some models claims tax-free CO2 emissions and impressive performance. A 1.6-litre diesel with 109bhp and a non-hybrid version of the 2.0 HDi also feature. The petrol options – both 1.6s – put out 153bhp and 197bhp.

SEAT hadn't built a large saloon car before the Exeo, and so it drew on Audi's engineering expertise to help it do so. The Exeo is essentially an old Audi A4 with a redesigned exterior, so it's not the most advanced car around, but the Exeo is exceptionally well built and SEAT's value-orientated status means it's big on equipment. 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.

The XV is a compact SUV and an entirely new type of car for Subaru. It's aimed at the hugely successful Nissan Qashqai, although top-spec models overlap on price with more premium rivals like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. There's a choice of three engines – 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrols and a 2.0-litre diesel – as well as manual and CVT gearboxes. All engines have horizontally-opposed cylinders, also known as ‘Boxer’ engines, for which Subaru has become famous

If you you are a school run veteran, who needs space for up to six kids as part of your early morning commute, then the Toyota Verso is an excellent choice. It puts reliability and fuel efficiency before style and sporty handling. The 2.0 D-4D version, although not as smooth to drive as petrol variants, returns over 50mpg, while the third row of seats can be easily folded - creating a spacious five-seater with a large boot. Those looking for something smaller than the Verso, should consider the new Toyota Verso S, available from February 2011.

The SEAT Altea is one of the best-looking small people carriers money can buy. It's just as good to drive too, and the broad range of engines means there's something for everyone – whether you are looking for class-leading economy or strong performance. 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.

With all the style Alfa Romeo is famed for, a wide choice of economical engines and an impressive list of personalisation options, it's no wonder that the MiTo is Alfa's best-selling model. There's even a good deal of space inside - enough for four adults at a push. However, it lacks the comfort and overall build quality to beat the Audi A1 and MINI for upmarket feel. Some of the cabin plastics are too hard and look cheap. The engine range offers great economy, though, which offsets the MiTo's relatively high purchase price. The MultiAir petrol engines impress with their performance and smoothness.