Table of contents for Awards 2017 in What Car?

‘The driving position is far better than in most cars of this type’ Ian Elliott ‘All the standard safety kit makes it cheap to insure’ George Watkins THE CURRENT NISSAN Micra lags well behind the best small cars, such as the Skoda Fabia and Ford Fiesta. But Nissan has gone all out to remedy this with a new model, which gets smarter looks, a higher- quality interior, more space, more tech, and a healthy lot of safety kit, including automatic emergency braking (AEB) across the range. Due in showrooms this March, the new Micra will cost from £11,995 up to £17,295. The likely best-seller in the UK, the 0.9-litre Acenta, costs £14,995; competitive with our favourite Fiesta, but £990 more than our recommended Fabia. If you’d like to be part…

What we are looking for One of the biggest reasons for buying a small car is its appealing price; you shouldn’t have to spend a lot to get a good runabout, whether you’re buying outright or taking out finance. Running costs are also high up on the priority list; these cars need to be cheap to fuel, insure and service. Frugality should not compromise levels of standard equipment, though. A modern small car should come with a few creature comforts, digital connectivity and the latest safety kit. Although most at home around town, the best in this class shouldn’t feel out of their depth when you venture onto a motorway or a twisty B-road. Dacia Sandero 0.9 TCe Ambiance Best buy less than £12,000 YOU WON’T FIND this much space…

Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI 150 Sport After a three-year barren patch, the Audi A3 Sportback is back among the honours. It has a number of strengths (a posh interior, sharp handling and a strong engine) and no major weakness. That’s why we think it’s well worth the premium over our runners-up, the Seat Leon and Vauxhall Astra. In fact, the A3’s vastly better resale values mean that it won’t cost much more in the long run if you’re paying cash up front or taking out a finance deal. SE trim is worth a look if you’re at the top of your budget, but we think the Sport model, which adds sat-nav, climate control and more supportive front seats, justifies its higher price.…

Ford Fiesta ST-2 3dr A drive in any of these cars will leave you grinning, but the Fiesta ST is the best all-rounder. It strikes the perfect balance between performance and affordability. Like the Swift Sport, it lets you attack a B-road without worrying about the width of the car or how powerful it is, yet the ST is noticeably faster and can be placed more precisely. In fact, it’s sharper than the brilliant M140i, which costs almost £15,000 more. To add to its appeal, the ST combines all of this with the reliability, practicality and dealer coverage that has helped make the regular Fiesta the UK’s best-selling car throughout its life.…

What we are looking for Here’s the scenario: your family has grown by two or perhaps three small people, and you all need ferrying to schools, shops and away on holiday. A large estate car or MPV would do the job, but you fancy something with a little more driveway cachet. So, you’ve elected for a large SUV. As well as offering enough space for everything and everyone, there’s you behind the wheel to consider. A good driving position, calm ride, tidy handling and a punchy engine will all help make your life easier and more enjoyable. Lastly, running costs: just because it’s big, that doesn’t mean it should be expensive to buy or run. Mazda CX-5 2.2D 150 SE-L Nav Best buy less than £25,000 WHAT YOU GET for…

Audi Q7 3.0 TDI 272 quattro SE Despite costing much less than an entry-level Range Rover, the Q7 is unquestionably a better all-rounder. It has a very plush interior, gets loads of standard kit and is incredibly refined; wind and road noise are negligible and the optional air suspension gives a supremely cushioned ride. The 268bhp 3.0-litre diesel engine is powerful and silky-smooth, and the eight-speed automatic gearbox fast and slick. Inside, there’s more than enough space for four adults, plus the Q7 can carry children in its standard third row of seats. Ultimately, luxury SUVs don’t get any more spacious, comfy, luxurious or sophisticated.…

What we are looking for MPVs must be able to cope with whatever family life throws at them, whether that’s doing the school run or carrying a full load for a camping trip. So, practicality is paramount, and seven seats are a welcome bonus. These cars need to have plenty of space for their occupants, comfy seats, a cleverly laid-out, versatile interior and lots of useful cubbyholes. A strong, efficient engine is essential, and plenty of safety kit and driver aids are important, too. And just because an MPV has to be practical, that doesn’t mean it should be boring: the best are also fun to drive. Competitive PCP deals and running costs seal the deal. Citroën C3 Picasso 1.2 110 Puretech Edition Best buy less than £20,000 TAKE A…

Skoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 150 SE Technology Skoda really has taken a lead in this class; the Superb retains the crown it won last year, and the Fabia isn’t far behind it. Mercedes’ new E-Class has shown luxury and great space, but the brilliant Superb offers most of that car’s practicality, as well as generous kit and a classy interior, for a lot less money. The Fabia is a great choice on a tight budget, both in terms of price and running costs. But practicality, performance, space, comfort and affordability are king here, and no car mixes all these things as phenomenally well as the Superb.…

Audi A4 3.0 TDI 218 Sport So, we know the A4 3.0 TDI 218 Sport is good, but why is it great? What makes this the best car here? As we’ve said already, it’s the smoothest, quietest and best-finished car in its class. And on top of that, this is a car costing less than £35,000, and one that in recent group tests has beaten highly regarded cars from the class above. Admittedly, one is the outgoing BMW 5 Series, but that’s still a fine car, as is the new Volvo S90, and it beat that, too. The A4 manages these feats only because Audi set out not to just compete, but to build the most complete executive car on the planet, and it’s certainly done so. Sponsored by…

What we are looking for You might think that looking good with the wind in your hair is the only thing that matters in a drop-top – but we’d disagree. A convertible shouldn’t suffer from having its top chopped off. Ride and handling need to be comparable with any hard-top version of that same car. Refinement is also important; you shouldn’t feel like you’re driving through a hurricane when the roof’s down, and there shouldn’t be too much noise with it up, either. Practicality is also considered. A convertible should be suitably versatile and, in the case of four-seaters, be able to actually fit a couple of people in the back. Mazda MX-5 2.0 SE-L Nav Best buy less than £25,000 DESPITE FACING NEW competition from the mechanically similar Fiat…

Audi TT 1.8 TFSI Sport Although it’s up against its bigger brother (the A5) and a Mercedes that costs three times as much, the TT takes this award for the third time on the bounce. Despite the relatively low price, it’s easily the most fun to drive of our contenders, yet it’s still comfy and quiet enough for everyday use. Sure, you can’t get an automatic gearbox or four-wheel drive with this engine, but the manual gearbox is slick enough and opting for two-wheel drive saves weight, making for more agile handling. You can spend more on flashy S line trim, but we’d argue that Sport has all the kit you need.…

BMW 5 Series 520d SE It’s hard to recall another year with so many exceptional new models vying for our overall Car of the Year award, which makes the BMW 5 Series’s victory all the more impressive. The Seat Ateca and Skoda Kodiaq ran it closest, both fully deserving their class wins. However, the BMW beats its key rivals more convincingly in the key areas. Put simply, it wins its class by a knockout rather than on points, and that’s why it takes the overall crown. The 520d SE with optional variable dampers is the pick of the 5 Series range. But whichever version you choose, you’ll be getting one of the classiest and most comfortable cars on sale today.…

There are plenty of things to consider when buying a new car - how big it is, how well it drives, what infotainment is crammed into it. So it can be easy to overlook the most important aspect of all: how safe it is. Car safety has advanced incredibly in recent years – and the top-spec systems are no longer just the preserve of expensive premium vehicles. While more expensive cars retain admirable safety levels, advanced safety technology systems are available on vehicles at every price point. Safety should be a key consideration when you buy a car, whatever your budget. But with a huge variety of such systems on the market, often sold in a confusing mix of optional packages, trying to compare the safety of different makes and…

LESS THAN £50,000 Porsche 718 Cayman The Cayman might cost half the price of the 911 (see below) but it’s just as good to drive. This is the entry-level engine, which puts out 295bhp – that’s plenty in a car this light. Add wonderfully accurate steering and sensational handling and the Porsche is an utter joy on twisty roads. Purists will appreciate the sparse standard kit; the rest of us will want to add a DAB radio, sat-nav and auto lights and wipers. Our pick 2.0T List price £40,233 Target Price £40,233 MPG 38.2 CO2 168g/km For Balletic handling, sublime steering and gearshift, and decent pace. Against You have to pay extra for a DAB radio and the engine doesn’t sound special enough. What Car? says Porsche 718 Boxster Our…

Star ratings Outstanding Good Average Below par Poor Target Price The most you should pay for a car True MPG Our real-world fuel economy figures Shopping @whatcar? The place to look, whether you’re buying, leasing or simply running a car KEY INFORMATION Verdict Our road test reviews are the standard by which the car industry judges new cars. Price on the road The price set by car makers, including delivery and the variable rate of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). Contract hire Contract hire rental prices supplied by Wessex Fleet Solutions. These are based on a three-year/36,000-mile contract, excluding maintenance and VED. For quotes, call Wessex Fleet Solutions on 01722 322888. Target Price The Target Price tells you the most you should pay – start low and work up to it.…

THE FIRST OF three new Vauxhall SUVs will launch this Spring, with the aim of taking on the Nissan Juke and Citroën C4 Cactus. SUVs are one of the most popular car markets worldwide, so it’s no surprise to see most car manufacturers bolstering their offerings in this area. At the moment, Vauxhall offers only one SUV in the UK, the Mokka X, but over the next three years it will add three additional SUVs to its range. First will be the Crossland X, which will be smaller than the Mokka X and rival some of the UK’s best-selling compact SUVs, including the Juke. The Crossland X is described as a family-friendly car with “comfort and performance to cover long distances at the drop of a hat”. It will act…

What we are looking for “I’m always dashing around town and need something small, cheap to buy and run, and easy to drive. Can you help?” Yep, you need a city car. No matter what your budget, the above criteria are non-negotiable. City cars are primarily meant for urban driving, so we’re looking for great visibility to help you squeeze into tight spaces, a comfy low-speed ride and light but positive controls, and a bit of zip for swiftly pulling out of junctions. Enough poke for the motorway is useful, too. Inside, we expect some basic goodies and reasonable-quality materials. A keen list price and PCP deals, plus low fuel bills, are also a must. Suzuki Celerio 1.0 SZ2 Best buy less than £8000 JUST £7000 IS enough to land…

Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI 90 SE Over the past 12 months, we’ve seen plenty of new small cars come and go, but the Fabia still sits at the top of the pile. Other rivals might be sharper to drive, cheaper to buy or look more stylish, but none of them blend everything in quite such an accomplished way. The Fabia not only feels agile and easy to drive in town, but is also more comfortable and refined at motorway speeds than many larger cars. The Fabia’s solidly built interior and impressive array of safety kit just set it further apart from rivals. Throw in its interior features and outstanding practicality, and it’s a clear winner.…

Winner Honda Civic Type R SOMETIMES EVIL LOOKS can sell cars, and when Honda unveiled its new 10th-generation Civic hatchback last September, the sporty shape and aggressive front-end design certainly helped it stand out. If that’s what the standard car is going to look like, we wondered, then what on earth would Honda create for the faster and more powerful Type R version? The answer came later that month as a surprise entry to the Paris motor show, and the Type R’s low-slung shape, large rear spoiler and triple exhausts have clearly captured the minds of What Car? readers, because this is the model you’ve voted as the most anticipated new car of 2017. The Type R will shake things up in the hot hatchback market, as it takes on…

What we are looking for These small SUVs are family cars first and foremost, so they need to offer decent space for passengers and luggage, as well as outstanding versatility. Families will also be looking for value for money, both in terms of list price and PCP deals, and then wallet-friendly running costs. Interiors should be solidly built and look plusher than these cars’ sizes and prices suggest, and first-rate infotainment systems should be a given. That assuredness also needs to be apparent in the way they drive. We’re after decent performance, a comfortable ride and secure handling on all types of road. Suzuki Vitara 1.6 SZ4 Best buy less than £15,000 DESPITE A STRONG challenge from another Suzuki small SUV, the Ignis, the Vitara’s combination of generous space, a…

Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 150 4x4 SE 7st We’ve already explained what makes the Kodiaq great but what makes it our winner are the neat touches that go the extra mile. Have you ever cursed your lack of an umbrella in a downpour? The Kodiaq has handy brollies tucked away in the front doors. Ever fancied a sip of water on a long journey, but didn’t have two hands spare? The Kodiaq’s ingenious cup holders grip a bottle, so you can unscrew the lid one-handed. Perhaps you’ve feared hitting your car door in a tight car park? The Kodiaq has clever pop-out rubber door protectors, to save the paint on your pride and joy. It’s simply a brilliant large SUV. Sponsored by…

What we are looking for This award is based on more than just the scores from Europe’s crash-testing body, Euro NCAP. Those ratings are a key part of our decision, of course, but we also look at any extra safety features a car gets as standard in the UK, and the impact this will have on its overall safety. It’s all presided over by a panel of judges, including those from safety experts Thatcham. The panel were pleased with how quickly car makers have adopted new technologies, such as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and lane-keeping assistance. We also apply a weighting system based on price, so cheaper cars are rewarded more for better safety kit. Finalist Peugeot 3008 LOOKING AT THE Peugeot 3008’s adult occupant protection and safety assist scores,…

Volkswagen Touran 1.6 TDI 115 SE It’s hard to find fault with the Touran. It’s more practical than the C3 Picasso and better value than the Galaxy, and is so accomplished in so many areas that you’d be hard pushed to find a weakness in the overall package. It combines an interior that’s brilliantly useable for a big family with a driving experience that makes any journey behind the wheel pleasant. In this spec, the Touran is kept at a sensible price, and gets a strong engine, generous standard kit and an intuitive infotainment system, plus the impeccable safety standards that are extra important in this class.…

What we are looking for Not only is this class a potential window into the future, it’s also proof of the leaps and bounds that manufacturers are making with tech. The main barrier into electric car ownership for most people is still range anxiety, so our winners need to be capable of enough miles to fit with most lifestyles. Just as crucially, they need to be able to charge up in a reasonable time. Buyers don’t want to compromise on the driving experience, either, so punchy performance, a quiet interior and a comfortable ride are all important. Electric cars must be practical, so their batteries can’t limit interior and boot space or seat flexibility too much. Renault Zoe Q90 Z.E. 40 Dynamique Nav Best buy less than £20,000 ONE MANUFACTURER…

Peugeot 3008 i-Cockpit The fantastic thing about Peugeot’s i-Cockpit dashboard is that it takes desirable tech that was previously found only on high-end models and options lists, and gives it to buyers of everyday cars. That desirability is partly down to the sophisticated look it gives the 3008’s interior. But it also makes the car easy and appealing to interact with and brings genuine safety benefits. On their own, any of these strengths would have made i-Cockpit worthy of consideration, but when combined they seal its victory. We expect to see other brands following Peugeot’s lead when they launch new models, but for now the French brand has stolen a march. Sponsored by…

What we are looking for Luxury car buyers are used to the best of everything, so these models need to have sumptuous interiors, high-tech infotainment systems and a generous standard specification. Comfort is also key; the best luxury cars must soak up the worst of the UK’s scruffy roads and let you travel at speed in near-silence. They also need supportive seats and lots of space for passengers, both in the front and the back. Running costs might not seem important, but many luxury saloons are run as company cars, so low CO2 emissions are a must to keep tax bills down. Fuel efficiency is likewise a consideration. BMW 5 Series 520d SE Best buy less than £50,000 WE’VE TRADITIONALLY CLASSED the likes of the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class…

Mazda MX-5 2.0 SE-L Nav The Mazda MX-5 might be a simple little roadster, but it proves beyond any shadow of a doubt that less is more. Its lightweight construction makes for handling that’s guaranteed to brighten your day, plus surprisingly good fuel economy. It’s both cheap to buy and to run. Even the well-equipped SE-L Nav model we favour costs less than many humdrum hatchbacks. True, it has just two seats, but it’s roomy enough, even for taller people, and the boot is a decent size as well. As good as the A3 and S-Class are, they can’t match the smiles per mile the MX-5 provides. It’s our favourite convertible by a comfortable margin.…

What we are looking for The priority is how good these cars are to drive: how quick they accelerate, brake and go around corners. There’s more to it than just sheer capability, though: a truly great sports car needs to involve you in everything going on beneath you. It needs steering that streams feedback to your fingertips, positive brakes and a quick-shifting gearbox to give you total control. And if the car makes you grin wildly, we’ll forgive a small boot or slightly sub-par fuel economy. While sports cars are often bought by people with a bit of spare cash, no-one wants to pay over the odds, so it’s even better if these cars make a degree of financial sense. Porsche 718 Cayman 2.0 Best buy less than £50,000 IT’D…

‘The Fabia has the best blend of ride and handling, along with a decent engine’ FOR MOST PEOPLE, automotive life starts in a small car, and whether you’ve stuck with one ever since or moved on to bigger things, you’ll probably have fond memories of those formative experiences. Chances are they may have been in a Micra. Nissan has sold them by the bucketload over the past 34 years on the premise of them being cheap and easy to drive. But this new one’s different: it’s gone upmarket, with the promise of a sportier drive and posher interior. We’ve always rated the way the Renault Clio drives, but its interior has let it down. That’s something a recent facelift has attempted to fix, but is that enough to push the…

‘Both cars build speed swiftly with just a gentle squeeze of the right pedal’ THE KING IS dead. Long live the king. Or at least that’s the situation it would seem we have here. When you consider that the old BMW 5 Series managed to see off the latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class just a few months ago, it’s hard to believe that this all-new, albeit not that different-looking, 5 Series would struggle against the same opponent. But stranger things have happened and the new 5 Series is more expensive to buy than its predecessor without delivering any worthwhile improvements in fuel economy or CO2 emissions. Meanwhile, the E-Class is the most efficient diesel car in the class, so the result of this test might not be quite such a formality after…

LESS THAN £30,000 Audi TT The entry-level TT is a cracker, thanks to a willing engine that can get you to 62mph in a very respectable time yet is beautifully refined at a cruise. The Audi’s lightweight construction helps its handling no end; it turns in to corners eagerly, there’s very little body roll and the ride quality is nicely judged for UK roads. The TT also has one of the finest interiors around, with sumptuous materials and a Virtual Cockpit display. Our pick 1.8 TFSI Sport List price £27,585 Target Price £24,731 MPG 47.1 CO2 138g/km For Smooth, eager engine, darty handling and beautifully built dashboard . Against Visibility isn’t great, so it’s a shame you have to pay extra for any parking sensors. What Car? says Seat Leon…

‘Electric cars are a perfect fit for the Mini brand because of its urban roots’ BACK IN 2008, Mini unveiled its first electric car, but this never moved beyond the experimental stage because the batteries were so big that the back seat had to be removed, and the car’s range lived up to the Mini name – no more than 100 miles between charges. Now, though, Mini has confirmed that it is working on a far more practical electric car that you will actually be able to buy, although that will not be until 2019. Mini boss Peter Schwarzenbauer has previously spoken of his desire to offer an additional Mini model, and there had been speculation that it would be a production version of either the Rocketman city car or…

Hyundai i10 1.2 Premium SE All three of these contenders are great cars, but we have no hesitation in singling out the i10 as our winner. Like the Celerio and Citigo, it has all the basics: it’s cheap to buy and to run, comfy, and easy to drive in town. But it also has luxuries that you rarely get in this class, plus a five-year warranty. The i10 feels like a class above the rest, with the most room, the smartest interior and the smoothest engine. Yes, it’s our priciest option, but it feels it, with a robust fit and finish and a class-leading infotainment. The i10 is a proper, grown-up car, not just a mere runaround, and that’s why it’s our favourite city car. Sponsored by…

What we are looking for This is arguably the toughest class of all. Competition is so fierce that even a single weakness (disappointing fuel economy, a brittle ride, or a poky boot, for example) is usually enough to rule a car out of the running. As the name suggests, these cars are often tasked with family duties, so they need to be roomy, but they’re equally likely to be used for the weekly commute. As such, they’re hugely popular with company car drivers, and low CO2 emissions are extra important. Safety is always crucial: we expect excellent crash protection and lots of active safety aids – preferably fitted as standard but at the very least on the options list. Vauxhall Astra 1.6 CDTi 110 Design Best buy less than £18,000…

What we are looking for If there’s one thing a great hot hatch has to be, it’s fun. Strong performance helps, but even more important is precise, grippy handling to make empty back roads a joy and more mundane driving less of a chore. This last point is significant because, unlike sports cars, hot hatches are generally driven every day. As a result, the best also must offer sensible running costs, good safety ratings and solid reliability. Their ability to entertain shouldn’t be at the expense of generous standard kit, either. An accomplished hot hatch also needs to be practical enough to serve as a family car, with space for four adults and a good-sized boot. Suzuki Swift 1.6 Sport 3dr Best buy less than £15,000 THE SUZUKI SWIFT Sport…

Seat Ateca 1.4 EcoTSI 150 SE We’re used to seeing the Nissan Qashqai on this page, and it’s taken an extremely well rounded small SUV to knock Nissan’s former Car of the Year off its perch. Although the Vitara is a brilliant choice if you’re on a stricter budget, Seat has managed to price its Ateca keenly enough to appeal to a wide range of buyers looking for their ideal car. Not only does it have space and practicality in abundance, its robust interior should stand the test of time, and you get lots of kit. That you can also have a fuel-sipping petrol engine with impressive yet quiet performance for this money is a massive achievement.…

What we are looking for An increasing number of buyers are shunning premium saloons in favour of luxury SUVs, drawn in by the appeal of their elevated driving position, rugged looks, high-tech infotainment systems and luxurious interiors. Assured handling, a comfortable ride and powerful performance are all important, too. And to reduce fatigue on longer journeys, engine noise needs to be well suppressed. Luxury SUVs are usually bought by those with spare cash, and while practicality and running costs play second fiddle to how the car feels, reasonable fuel economy and CO2 emissions are still important to keep things sensible. Porsche Macan Diesel S Best buy less than £50,000 A DIESEL SUV might make Porsche purists recoil in horror, but there’s a good reason why the waiting list for the…

1st Toyota Prius Our judges gave third place to the VW Tiguan, and second to the Peugeot 3008; both cars offer a high level of standard safety equipment for buyers. It’s the Toyota Prius which takes the win here, though — helped by a consistently high score in all of the areas Euro NCAP tests, as well as some truly innovative safety technology. The Prius’s reverse AEB system is what tipped the scores in Toyota’s favour, as it could not only save you money, but potentially lives as well. The fact that you can now drive one of the safest cars around for less than £200 a month only sweetens the deal. Sponsored by…

What we are looking for By its very design, an estate car is all about lugging loads, so the size and shape of its boot has got to be up to the job. However, it isn’t just about this – other practical considerations are just as important. Little touches that make loading awkward items easier and keeping things in place score extra points. However, there’s no point loading up a boot if the engine can’t cope with the extra weight, so these estates must have strong, smooth performance and a comfortable ride, too. Buyers don’t want to break the bank, either; low CO2 emissions and decent fuel economy are also crucial. Skoda Fabia Estate 1.2 TSI 90 SE Best buy less than £18,000 FOR THE SECOND year on the trot,…

Renault Zoe Q90 Z.E. 40 Dynamique Nav Given the rate of progress in this class during the past 12 months, this win shows just how much this recent update has improved the Zoe. Realistically, it’s now possible to drive for 174 miles between each charge, up from the 106 miles of the previous battery. And Renault has kept everything that was already great about the Zoe: its practicality, tidy handling and standard kit. Plus, while range is up dramatically, price isn’t. And to include many of the latest comfort and infotainment features as well as fast charging at this price makes the Zoe a truly brilliant all-rounder. Sponsored by…

What we are looking for A hard-working executive car is likely to spend many hours cruising along motorways, so comfort is a top priority. Are the seats supportive? Is the driving position good? Does the car settle into a quiet, relaxed cruise at a steady 70mph? Tick all these boxes and you’re halfway there. It also needs to have reasonable running costs — particularly where company car tax, leasing and fuel are concerned — and come with plenty of mod cons to make long stints behind the wheel more pleasant. Bonus points are awarded for being fun to drive, roomy and having a well equipped, luxurious interior. Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 150 SE Technology Best buy less than £25,000 THIS IS OUR lowest price point, yet that doesn’t stop the…

BMW 5 Series 520d SE Few cars are as complete as the new 5 Series. It rides incredibly well, is entertaining to drive and shuts out wind and road noise better than some big saloons that cost three times as much. Then there’s its interior, which has lots of space for four, a generous standard kit list and a classy feel that makes it a pleasure to sit in. This 520d version’s 2.0-litre diesel engine can average more than 43mpg in real-world driving and offers low tax bills, particularly for company car drivers, completing a fantastic all-round package. Sure, there are flashier luxury cars, but the new 5 Series is undoubtedly the best all-rounder.…

What we are looking for Many people choose a coupé based on its head-turning looks, but the best of the breed should also drive every bit as attractively, if not more so. It’s not just cornering we’re talking about. A good coupé should also ride well enough for everyday use without frequent visits to the chiropractor. Unlike a full-on sports car that is often a second car, a coupé should be fairly practical, too. That means a boot capable of taking more than just a couple of carrier bags and a high- quality, driver focused interior. We can’t ignore money, either. Coupés shouldn’t cost the earth to buy or run. Audi TT 1.8 TFSI Sport Best buy less than £30,000 THE AUDI TT is a stalwart in this category and…

Porsche 718 Cayman 2.0 The Cayman is cast-iron (well, steel) proof that spending more money doesn’t always mean having more fun. True, it isn’t as fast as the 911, let alone the 540C, but it’s more rewarding to drive on the road than both of those vastly more expensive cars. And to our mind, that’s what really matters here. You see, while the Cayman might not be able to lap the Nürburgring in 7min or slingshot from 0-60mph in 3.5sec, it can thrill without putting you at risk of losing your licence. The fact it’s so easy to live with, thanks to its comfy ride, classy interior and reasonably sized boot, make it all the more compelling.…

‘The C-HR’s radical rear styling poses a bigger problem than the others for rear visibility’ YOU KNOW THAT saying about buses: you wait ages for one and then three turn up at once? Well, that’s sort of the situation here; after three years of dominance by the Nissan Qashqai, all of a sudden there’s a trio of new pretenders vying for the top small SUV slot. The Seat Ateca has recently seen off the Qashqai so comes to this contest as the car to beat. Its blend of sharp looks and tidy handling have already made it a hit with buyers, and £24k gets you a punchy petrol engine and lavish Xcellence trim. Peugeot’s new 3008 should be a tough rival. Its predecessor was our Car of the Year in…

FEW CARS HAVE redefined a class, but that’s exactly what the Volkswagen Up did when it first appeared in 2012. With its funky styling, great driving dynamics and premium build quality, it showed that city cars no longer had to be bland, boring machines designed simply to get you from A to B. Other car makers quickly caught on to Volkswagen’s fresh approach, though, including Hyundai, which developed the most rounded city car ever seen – the i10. For the past three years, this dinky motor has sat proudly at the top of its class due to its blend of practicality, performance and poise. Volkswagen fought back in 2016, giving the Up a new look, a more advanced infotainment system and a new 1.0-litre turbocharged engine. Now, Hyundai has responded…

LESS THAN £50,000 BMW 5 Series The 5 Series is plush enough inside to compare favourably with just about any other car on sale. In many ways it’s just as sophisticatedas the 7 Series; it can be specified with a semi-autonomous driving mode that lets you take your hands off the wheel for up to 30 seconds. Standard kit includes sat-nav and leather upholstery, but you may want to spec the variable dampers, which turn a good car into an exceptional one. Our pick 520d SE List price £36,025 Target Price £35,485 MPG 68.8 CO2 108g/km For Spacious, well-appointed interior and great to drive, with quiet, economical engines. Against You need to add variable dampers for the best ride quality. What Car? says Mercedes-Benz E-Class Our pick E 220 d…

LESS THAN £25,000 Mazda MX-5 This is a car with very few rivals. The rear-wheel-drive MX-5 is small enough to suit UK roads perfectly, and even in 158bhp 2.0-litre guise is unintimidating enough to allow you to enjoy 100% of its punch every day. SE-L Nav trim comes with climate and cruise controls, LED headlights and a leather-trimmed, multifunction steering wheel, plus sat-nav, Bluetooth and a decent sound system. Our pick 2.0 SE-L Nav List price £21,095 Target Price £20,057 MPG 40.9 CO2 161g/km For Terrific handling and steering with a comfortable ride and a slick gearshift. Against Rivals have bigger boots, while the interior is pretty snug. What Car? says Mini Convertible Our pick 1.5 Cooper Pepper Pack List price £19,955 Target Price £18,889 MPG 57.6 CO2 114g/km For…