• Beware the Tax Trap

New emissions-based road tax rules are set to hit drivers hard – unless you buy carefully

• Octavia vRS vs Ford Mondeo ST TDCi

Hot diesels from Skoda and Ford are bargains right now. Which is our choice?

• Smart ForFour vs Nissan Micra

Small, light and cheap to run – these cars from Nissan and Smart have the lot!

• Badges of honour...

Bag a prestige car at a value price with Mercedes’ A-Class and BMW’s 1-Series

• Honda S2000

Want a roadster that’s a good everyday car and great fun on a track, too? Look no further...

• Buyer's guide: VW Golf MkV

Demand for hatch remains strong – and we give you the lowdown on finding one second-hand...

• Audi vs Volvo

TV’s Mike runs the rule over rugged 4WD estates from Audi and Volvo – and decides which is the better second-hand choice...