Car Videos

The Ford Fiesta ST launched within weeks of two of 2013's most important hot hatchbacks – the Peugeot 208 GTi and the Renaultsport Clio 200. However, being in such impressive company shouldn’t detract from the Fiesta's abilities, which, thanks to muscular looks and a bargain price tag, certainly look good on paper. Factor in outstanding performance figures and a large dose of driver enjoyment and you’ve got one of the best handling hot hatchbacks on sale in the UK.

The Citroen DS3 is a rival for the MINI hatchback and Fiat 500. So it makes sense that, as both of its main rivals offer drop-top versions of their cars – the MINI Convertible and Fiat 500C respectively – that Citroen has introduced the DS3 Cabrio. Featuring the same sleek style as the DS3 hatchback, but with surprising practicality and the ability to drop the roof at speeds right up to 75mph, the DS3 Cabrio only serves to enhance the design-conscious DS3 line-up. What's more, while convertible cars are typically bought by women, the DS3 Cabrio features near-endless scope for personalisation, allowing buyers to make their cars more masculine or feminine as they see fit. Citroen predicts that 10 per cent of DS3 buyers will opt for the Cabrio model, despite the fact that it attracts a hefty price premium over the hatchback.

Fiat remains the only carmaker to squeeze a full-time four-wheel drive system into a supermini. As well having four-wheel-drive, the Panda gets 47mm extra ground clearance over the standard Panda, plus chunkier bumpers, making it look like a baby Land Rover. However, it still retains the standard Panda's compact size, making it easier to live with and use in town than a full-size off-roader. There's a choice of petrol or diesel engines and, if you like the off-road looks but need to keep costs in check, there's a front-wheel-drive model called the Panda Trekking that's cheaper both to buy and run. The Panda Trekking sits above the regular Panda range, with the Panda 4x4 higher still, so prices for these models are steeper than the rest of the range. However, the list of standard equipment is also improved over the standard car to reflect this.

Audi shocked the industry when it introduced its stunning R8 supercar in 2006. It was the German company's first demonstration of how it could compete with the established supercar giants with only a little help from Lamborghini -- a sub-brand of the VW Group. As a result, the Audi R8 shares some DNA with the Lamborghini Gallardo, but is far cheaper to buy and easier to drive, without losing any sense of occasion or its head turning looks. A supercar that you really can use everyday, the R8 may not be particularly practical, but it's genuinely comfortable and comes keenly priced if you avoid the extensive options list. That said, a host of updates at the start of 2013 improved equipment, with all cars getting LED headlights, sat-nav and heated leather seats as standard. There is a choice of V8 and V10, with a faster V10 Plus model for those craving a little more power and an even sportier drive.