In-depth reviews

With a composed chassis, premium looks and a cabin stuffed with standard equipment, the latest Mondeo has the measure of prestige rivals.

Over a decade young and still going strong: the Ford Ka is one car that’s lived longer than anyone could have expected when it first appeared in 1996.

Sporty new supermini from blue oval is set to be a winner.

The styling, perky engines and fun handling make the 147 desirable, but patchy dealer service, depreciation and reliability count against it

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A recent facelift has seen the Focus back near the top of the class. The blue oval family favourite now adds desirability to its exceptional driving d…

In the face of stiff competition from the Honda Civic and Ford Focus, the Fiat Bravo has gone almost unnoticed. However, that doesn’t mean the capable…

The Italian brand has come on leaps and bounds in recent years. And nowhere is this better demonstrated than in the stunning looking 159

Mixing retro looks with a wide array of options, Fiat 500 builds on success of BMW’s MINI

The A4 is now the equal of the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class. The latest models drive as well as they look, thanks to a sharper chassis and strong…

For many, the 3-Series is the definitive small sports saloon. It’s blend of balanced handling, high quality and strong performance have seen sales roc…

The S-Max is an MPV with a lot to offer. Cleverly conceived and brilliantly executed, the Ford has very few weaknesses in any area. Families need look…

The desirable Cooper D is a very funky way of going green.

The ECOmotive is a taste of green cars to come from the Spanish firm.

Not quite as green or as economical as other VW Group eco-models.

The 118d proves that low-emission, high-economy cars can be exciting, too.

The Audi A3 Cabriolet is a very capable and likeable car

The M3 Convertible is arguably a more pleasant everyday choice than the harder-edged Coupe.

The Mazda 3 doesn't really stand out compared to cheaper, newer rivals.

The 1-Series soft-top is a well-rounded motor that is good to drive.

The Ford Kuga looks sharp, has a top-quality cabin and drives really well.

The Subaru Impreza STi already feels old fashioned and vague steering spoils driver enjoyment.

Every drive is an event in the C 63. It’s brutally fast and very capable.

Subaru’s diesel is impressive – pity about its thirst.

The IS F lacks the pedigree of German rivals, but could still upset the establishment.

The latest Forester is aiming to reinvent itself as a compact SUV.

The BlueMotion offers lower emissions and better economy without losing the Golf’s key attributes.

At last, Citroen has a family car to be proud of.

The standard Lancer is a great family car.

The i10 is well built, inoffensively styled and practical.

The Sport Hatch has sharp lines and real stand-out styling.

Practical estate version of the stylish Mercedes C-Class.

Forget the old model, Vauxhall's new Agila has sharp styling and excellent handling.

The Pro_cee’d isn’t quite the step forward we were expecting from Kia.

This is a great urban SUV that handles well and is beautifully built.