Hatchback

If you want a new car but would rather not spend much, Dacia is a great place to start your search.

This budget brand builds some of Britain’s cheapest new cars, including the Sandero hatchback. And don’t think cheap automatically means corners have been cut, because the Sandero has been commended at the annual What Car? Car of the Year awards on numerous occasions.

Other Dacia models include the&nbsp;higher-riding Sandero Stepway, seven-seat Jogger, and rugged Duster SUV. And while these cost slightly more than the Sandero, they’re still priced aggressively enough that they’re really only competing directly with used cars.

Dacia manages this by borrowing mechanicals and technology from its owner, Renault, to minimise development costs.

DACIA

SANDERO STEPWAY

DUSTER

No-frills motoring with a rugged charm,&nbsp;the Dacia Duster is very practical and good value used.

Used Dacia Duster 2018-present

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Comfortable ride </li> <li>Feature-filled infotainment </li> <li>Space for child seats </li> <li>Robust build quality </li> <li>Practical storage spaces </li> <li>A boot fit for a family holiday </li> <li>Fuel-efficient engines</li></ul>

While we define a small SUV&nbsp;as something&nbsp;less than 4.3 metres long and a large SUV as measuring more than 4.5 metres, family SUVs tread the middle ground.

As the name suggests, the vast majority are&nbsp;designed for family duties rather than serious off-roading, so practicality is paramount. However, that&nbsp;shouldn't come at the expense of a decent drive; the best examples combine tidy handling with smooth engines&nbsp;and a ride that's comfortable&nbsp;enough to ensure the kids aren't left feeling queasy.

&nbsp;

Family SUV

Aside from some subtle differences in taste, a regular tin of&nbsp;value-brand baked beans does much the same job as the Heinz alternative;&nbsp;the biggest difference between the two is the price.

The same is true of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/duster/estate/review/n67">Dacia Duster</a>, which does all the same things other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-family-suvs-2022/n17116">family SUVs</a> do, just more cheaply. And while you wouldn’t buy second-hand tinned food, you can buy a second-hand version of this second-generation Duster and save even more over&nbsp;its main rivals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Engines: Powering the Duster is a range of three petrol engines and one diesel, most of which can be found with or without four-wheel drive. The non-turbocharged, 113bhp 1.6&nbsp;SCe petrol engine looks okay on paper, but its limited torque&nbsp;often leaves you without much get-up-and-go for overtaking.

Mercifully, this engine was replaced a year after this generation of Duster was launched, by&nbsp;a turbocharged 99bhp 1.0-litre petrol with significantly more torque to pull the car along. The turbocharged 128bhp or 148bhp 1.3-litre petrols are far better, managing to be both smooth and reasonably refined for what is a budget car.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The 113bhp&nbsp;1.5-litre diesel isn’t a hugely powerful engine,&nbsp;but&nbsp;it's quiet enough to fade&nbsp;into the background hum of road noise at high speeds and there’s enough punch for a quick burst of acceleration. Its&nbsp;additional torque&nbsp;also comes in handy for low-speed manoeuvres when navigating obstacles off road.&nbsp;

Speaking of going off road,&nbsp;four-wheel-drive models are very capable if you decide to leave sealed roads behind. You can lock the car into four-wheel drive via a dial near the gearlever&nbsp;and the traction control system manages the brakes, stopping wheels&nbsp;from spinning and ensuring that&nbsp;power is sent to those wheels that have grip. Four-wheel-drive cars also have more sophisticated rear suspension which is&nbsp;more supple over bumps than that of regular front-wheel-drive cars.&nbsp;

Ride and handling: On the road, the Duster is predictable enough, with light, slow steering, undemanding control weights for the gearlever and clutch, and a decent ride on smaller wheels (or when equipped with four-wheel drive). It doesn’t have that last degree of finesse that you’d get from other family SUV rivals such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/qashqai/hatchback/review/n7">Nissan Qashqai</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ateca/estate/review/n111">Seat Ateca</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/tiguan/estate/review/n17357">VW Tiguan</a> – but then it was a lot cheaper than all of those when new.

Interior and practicality: Interior quality leans further into&nbsp;the car's utilitarian, rough-and-ready&nbsp;persona and is far from luxurious.&nbsp;It’ll stand up to the most abusive of toddlers, but the materials look and feel ancient compared to rivals. There are no soft-touch plastics of any kind in the Duster.

Space is very good, though; four adults should have few&nbsp;complaints about longer journeys and you can even take five – at a pinch.

Boot capacity is excellent, and the depth of it means you’ll need to carry exceptionally long items without having to fold the rear seats down. Just be aware that four-wheel-drive models have slightly less cargo capacity due to the extra mechanical&nbsp;components&nbsp;needed to give it four driven wheels.&nbsp;

Trims and equipment: Equipment levels are very stingy on lower trim levels, with the entry-level Access not even getting a stereo system. You’ll need to step up to Essential for that and air-con, while mid-spec Comfort gets a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, cruise control, 16in alloy wheels and electric rear windows. Prestige models add climate control, blindspot warning and a surround-view camera system, while Techroad models have privacy glass and some exterior and interior styling tweaks.&nbsp;

One of the biggest downsides with the Duster is that, next to similar-priced used rivals, it doesn't have the greatest Euro NCAP safety rating. The Dacia Duster was awarded only three stars out of a possible five, whereas rivals such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sportage/4x4/review/n17352">Kia Sportage</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nissan Qashqai&nbsp;both got the full five stars.

If you're interested in buying a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/dacia/duster?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true&amp;postCode=tw1%203sp">used Dacia Duster,</a> or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car classifieds site <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">here.</a>&nbsp;

Page 1 of 5

This first-gen Duster offers the space, practicality and style of much pricier models, but it isn't very sophisticated

Used Dacia Duster 2013-2018

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Running costs that won’t break the bank </li> <li>Generous kit</li> <li>Pokey engine and tidy handling</li> <li>Spacious interior</li> <li>Boot big enough to cope with family life</li></ul>

The car-buying public has fallen in love with small SUVs, or crossovers as they’re often called, with thousands turning away from conventional hatchbacks in favour of something that rides that little bit higher.

Small SUV

If only, you might be thinking, there was a car that combined the best of those <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116">family SUV</a> qualities – practicality, flexibility and rugged looks – with the lower purchase price of a small <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-cars/n16996">family car.</a>

Well there is. It’s the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/duster/estate/review/n67">Dacia Duster</a>. Bought new, this <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/qashqai/hatchback/review/n7">Nissan Qashqai</a>-sized SUV will set you back no more than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/panda/hatchback/review/n128">Fiat Panda</a>. And&nbsp;you can pick up a used example of this first-generation model now for peanuts, which makes it something of a bargain.

The Duster is&nbsp;made&nbsp;out of old Nissan and Renault parts. It’s a five-door, five-seater car with suitably rugged bodywork and a choice of petrol or diesel engines and the option of four-wheel drive.

Engines: The platform mandates the use of transverse engines, in this case, a 1.2 or 1.6-litre petrol or a 1.5-litre turbodiesel. The entry-level 1.2-litre petrol engine has 123bhp while the bigger capacity 1.6-litre petrol produces a miserly 112bhp and the diesel produces 107bhp.&nbsp;

Trims and equipment: Predictably, given the price, there's not a great deal of equipment on the basic Duster models - but you do get power steering and remote central locking. Opting for the Access trim gets a bit more equipment, mainly in the shape of bigger steel wheels, electric front windows and height-adjustable rear headrests. Move up to mid-spec Ambiance trims and suddenly the Duster gets a lot more modern, with kit including fog lights, DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, while the Ambiance Prime spec added a bit more luxury, including an exclusive metallic paint job and 16in alloy wheels.

The range-topping trims - Laureate and Prestige - both offer 16in alloy wheels, air conditioning, electrically adjustable and heated wing mirrors, and convenience lights throughout the interior as standard, while the latter also includes a 7in touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav and traffic updates, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors within the package.

Ride and handling: On the road, none of these engine options are particularly fast, nor especially refined, and the ride and handling are distinctly old-fashioned. The diesel-engined version is reasonably economical, but neither of the two petrol options are outstandingly frugal.

So buying a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/duster/estate/review/n67">Dacia Duster</a> requires some compromises. its interior is a little rough and ready and although there’s plenty of space inside it’s not a particularly pleasant place to be. But for sheer value for money and old-fashioned bang-for-buck this might be a car like no other.&nbsp;

If you're interested in buying a used Dacia Duster, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">used car buying pages here</a> .

Page 1 of 5

Duster 4x4

Estate

LOGAN

The Dacia Logan MCV is cheap, and it shows. Few can match its practicality per pound ratio, though, making it good value used.&nbsp;

Used Dacia Logan MCV 2013-2020 review

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.

Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.

Big space doesn't always have to mean big price, and the Dacia Logan MCV is a perfect example of that. This <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-reviews/category/estate">estate car</a> is extremely practical yet a complete and utter bargain, especially when used. It's cut-price roots don't fly under the radar, however.

Initially, one diesel engine and two petrol engines were offered. The diesel, a 88bhp 1.5-litre unit, is aimed at those who do plenty of motorway miles, while the two petrols are better all-rounders – there's a 73bhp 1.2-litre and a 89bhp turbocharged 0.9-litre. The 1.2-litre was replaced with a 73bhp 1.0-litre in 2017.&nbsp;

The trim levels that are the most commonly encountered&nbsp;include Ambiance and Laureate. The former gets remote central locking, powered front windows, Bluetooth and a CD/tuner, while the latter adds&nbsp;alloy wheels, a trip computer, cruise control, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, air-con and powered rear windows.&nbsp;

Other trims levels, such as the sparsely equipped Access and top-of-the-range Laureate Prime, exist. That being said, they are extremely uncommon on the used market.&nbsp;

Those who fancy a bit of SUV-inspired style might be tempted by the Stepway version. With a loftier ride height and lots of black plastic cladding, it adds a slightly tougher edge to the Logan MCV’s looks, and a bit more resistance to damage from errant trolleys in&nbsp;supermarket car parks.

The only gearbox is a rather notchy five-speed manual, with a clunky, long throw; there's no&nbsp;automatic&nbsp;gearbox&nbsp;option.

The Logan MCV’s suspension is focused more on comfort than cornering ability but rarely provides much of either. The ride is too easily unsettled at low speeds and over larger bumps and body control isn’t a strong point; the floppy suspension allows the Logan to pitch and heave over bumps. This is particularly noticeable in Stepway models, which sit higher off the ground. No Logan MCV ever feels unstable, but there’s a lot of body lean and grip runs out earlier than it does in many rivals.

The steering is inconsistently weighted and rather vague. Combine this with the car’s tendency to be blown around by crosswinds, and you’ll find you need to make a fair few corrections to keep it in a straight line at motorway speeds.

Inside, the driver’s seat itself isn’t particularly supportive; it feels quite flat at the base and lets you roll around too much in tight bends. The pedals line up with the seat nicely, though, and the climate controls are simple to reach and operate, if not particularly substantial in feel. The plastic components used on the Logan’s dash are structurally sturdy but, as they already looked low-rent on the old-generation Clio that they’re borrowed from, they appear decidedly cheap these days.&nbsp;You won’t find any soft-touch surfaces.&nbsp;

Passenger and boot space are the Logan’s strongest suits. Despite being essentially an elongated version of Dacia’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero/hatchback/used-review/n852">Sandero</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-reviews/category/small">small car</a>, the Logan MCV’s front seats offer tall adults plenty of head and leg room.

Similarly, the rear seats have more than enough space for two adults, although taller passengers might find their knees resting against the front seatbacks if those in the front are particularly long-legged. Three adults across the rear bench is a squeeze but three smaller children should be comfortable on a long journey.

The Logan MCV beats all its rivals for boot capacity; in fact, its boot is as big as those of several cars from the class above. The boot floor isn’t quite flat when the rear seats are folded down, but the low boot opening makes loading easy. It’s just a pity that the only ways to open the tailgate are by twisting the key in the lock or operating a lever inside by the driver’s seat – not very convenient when you’re standing outside in the rain with armfuls of shopping.

If you're interested in finding a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/mercedes-benz/c-class">used&nbsp;Logan MCV</a>, or any of the other cars&nbsp;mentioned here, head over to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">Used Car Buying</a>&nbsp;pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

Page 1 of 5

Logan Estate

SANDERO

Despite bargain prices, the Dacia Sandero impresses in many areas, including comfort, economy and practicality

Used Dacia Sandero 2021-present review

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought almost exclusively as first cars or by people with no children – but the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.

Small

It isn't always the blockbuster movies that stick with us, but sometimes&nbsp;small-scale&nbsp;projects with&nbsp;strong visions behind them. Take the first Rocky film;&nbsp;its modest&nbsp;budget of didn't stop it from packing a punch. And you know what else packs a reasonably priced punch? A used <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero/hatchback/review/n55">Dacia Sandero</a>.&nbsp;

It's a cut-price <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-used-small-cars-for-less-than-pound10000/n17015">small car</a> hero (rather than a bargain-bin disappointment), and this latest version is even better than its predecessor, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero/hatchback/used-review/n852">2013-2020 Dacia Sandero</a>.&nbsp;

Engines &amp; Performance:&nbsp;Under the bonnet, you might&nbsp;find one of two versions of a turbocharged 1.0-litre TCe engine: a TCe 90 petrol or a TCe 100 Bi-Fuel. The TCe 90 offers up a healthy 89bhp and has a six-speed manual gearbox (or optional&nbsp;CVT automatic), and in our tests managed 0-60mph in a respectable 11.0sec. The Bi-Fuel version has a bit more power (99bhp) and can run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as well as regular unleaded.&nbsp;

There's one more engine available, though. It’s a 1.0-litre petrol, badged SCe 65, that’s not turbocharged. It’s&nbsp;very slow, with a 0-62mph time that officially takes a pedestrian 16.7sec. It's not really&nbsp;worth considering.

Ride &amp; Handling:&nbsp;On the road, the Sandero pleases with relatively soft suspension, which smoothes out creases and folds in the road without bouncing you around in your seat nauseatingly. Sure, some other small cars are even comfier&nbsp;but they will most definitely demand a higher premium.&nbsp;

The Sandero isn’t the most exciting or capable car to pedal down a twisting B-road. It handles well enough, though. There is some body lean through tight twists and turns, but there's a decent amount of grip and the steering – while suitably light around town and too light and indirect at mid-range speeds – weights up enough to give you confidence at motorway speeds.

Interior &amp; Practicality:&nbsp;The Sandero’s interior is a smart, though modest, affair. The plastics in the Sandero are appealing enough to look at, and there's some tasteful fabric trim on the dashboard to lift the ambience. Plus, if you go for Comfort trim, you'll get some chrome interior highlights and a 'soft feel' steering wheel, which does a good impression of leather.

As one of the largest cars in the small car class, the Sandero is pleasingly spacious for front and rear passengers. There’s also a good amount of storage space on board, including a large glovebox, two cupholders, reasonable-sized door bins and other cubbies. The design of the boot could be improved by reducing the size of the lip at the entrance, but you can’t argue with its size.

Trims &amp; Equipment:&nbsp;Your entry-level option is Access. It lacks some of the basics you expect in a modern car, such as alloy wheels, air conditioning and central locking. That said, you do get electric front windows and LED headlights, as well as the cheapest prices.&nbsp;

Next up you have Essential, which is noticeably better equipped. It comes with body-coloured bumpers, 15in wheels with wheel trims, automatic LED headlights, cruise control with a speed limiter, manual air conditioning, DAB radio and Bluetooth capabilities.

Finally, there’s Comfort. You get an impressive amount of kit with this one, including electric rear windows, heated and electronically-adjustable wing mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, an 8.0in infotainment touchscreen, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a>/<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a> smartphone mirroring and keyless entry.

Interested in buying a used&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero/hatchback/review/n55">Dacia Sandero</a>? Visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">Used Cars For Sale</a>&nbsp;pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

Honest, uncomplicated and spacious: the budget hero status of the Sandero has won it many fans

Used Dacia Sandero 2013-2020

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-small-cars-2022/n16997">Small cars</a> have been getting steadily more advanced, with additional technology being added to appeal to buyers who demand the latest gadgets. This push upmarket has meant that buyers&nbsp;who simply want a&nbsp;low-cost A-to-B car&nbsp;have been forced to look elsewhere. Fortunately for these people, there is the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero/hatchback/review/n55">Dacia Sandero</a>, here featured in its first generation form.&nbsp;

The no-frills brief of the Sandero extends to the engine range, which kicks&nbsp;off with a 74bhp 1.2-litre petrol, but it's&nbsp;an engine using old technology and is simply not as efficient as more modern units. That's why it was replaced as part of the 2017 refresh with a three-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol with exactly the same output&nbsp;but better running costs. There is also an 89bhp 0.9-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol and a 89bhp 1.5-litre dCi diesel (upgraded to 94bhp later on), but these are only available on higher-spec cars.

The basic Access version does without many luxuries you would expect of a new car, including such modern novelties as a radio. Ambiance adds more of what you'd expect of a modern car, with the top model being the Laureate, which is surprisingly plentiful on the used market, despite it not offering great value against rivals when it was new. As part of a further model refresh in 2018, mid- and top-tier trim level names were changed to Essential and Comfort to match those of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/duster/estate/review/n67">Dacia Duster</a> small SUV.

However, getting a better-equipped Sandero doesn’t fully disguise the interior quality, which feels as if it has come from a car two generations ago, or the limited amount of sound-deadening material that has been used to try to quieten both the sound of the mechanicals and road noise. The biggest leap that has been made with small cars is making them quieter and more suited to long journeys. With the Sandero, you will need to make sure you can live with it, or turn the radio up in an attempt to drown it out.

There are plus points. To start with, the Sandero is noticeably bigger inside than its rivals, thanks to its larger body. If you regularly have passengers, this might be the car for you. And if you want comfort, the Sandero has a softly sprung ride that copes with speed bumps, potholes and bridge expansion joints quite well. Dips and crests on faster roads send the suspension into a bit of a dither&nbsp;but, for the most part, it's fine. The steering is vague and quite heavy by modern small car standards and the weighting of it can be a bit odd because it lightens considerably as you turn into a bend. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a> trounces it here because it manages to be both fun and engaging to drive, but quite comfortable too.

The pursuit of a low purchase price when it was new has led to some compromises here, which you will have to consider when you look at a Dacia Sandero as a used purchase. Still not sure? Read on, and hopefully&nbsp;the rest of our comprehensive buying guide will help you decide.

If, in the meantime, you fancy buying a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/dacia/sandero?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true&amp;postCode=tw1%203sp">used Dacia Sandero,</a> or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">Used Cars</a> classifieds site.&nbsp;

Page 1 of 5

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

Sandero Hatchback

Building on the winning formula of the cheap and cheerful Sandero, the Dacia Sandero Stepway has a comfortable ride and a spacious interior

Used Dacia Sandero Stepway 2013-present

The tastes of buyers are changing; gone are the days when just a small car would do. Thanks to the popularity of SUVs, even traditional cars are being garnished with off-road additions to make them more desirable. Take the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero/hatchback/review/n55">Dacia Sandero</a> hatchback; add a raised ride height and the rugged styling of a 4x4 and you get this: the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero-stepway/hatchback/review/n17269">Dacia Sandero Stepway</a>.

Pseudo off-road small cars are rare on the used market, but examples are starting to grow in number in used car showrooms. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/panda/hatchback/review/n128">Fiat Panda</a> 4x4 is probably one of the best known, but there’s also the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/ignis/hatchback/review/n17225">Suzuki Ignis</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/ecosport/hatchback/review/n129">Ford Ecosport</a>

The engine range is quite straightforward: a 0.9-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre dCi diesel. The petrol is generally quiet in everyday driving and is reasonably efficient. The diesel will do more miles per gallon and a greater torque figure makes it more relaxing to drive.

Unlike the regular Sandero, though, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero-stepway/hatchback/review/n17269">Dacia Sandero Stepway</a> variant doesn’t come in an ultra-low-priced entry-level model. This means the range starts with Ambiance and finishes with Lauréate. Ambiance comes with all the basics such as 16in alloy wheels, a DAB radio, air-con and driver’s seat height adjustment. Lauréate adds a trip computer, a 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system, a height-adjustable steering wheel, cruise control, rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable door mirrors and electric rear windows.

Find a used Dacia Sandero Stepway in What Car? <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">Used Cars</a>

Sandero Stepway Hatchback

A former motorsport team and independent tuning company, Abarth has long&nbsp;produced high performance versions of Fiat's cars.

In recent years, Abarth has been established&nbsp;as a standalone brand – in the same way that Citroën split off its DS luxury division several years ago. However, the major difference is that DS cars look completely different from the Citroëns on which they’re based, whereas Abarths rely on bodykits and big wheels to mark them out.

The Abarth 500e is a sporty version of the Fiat 500 Electric, whilst the Abarth 595 is a beefed-up version of the older Fiat 500 hatchback.

ABARTH

Alfa Romeo now has one of its strongest-ever model line-ups, after years of living off past glories.

The BMW 3 Series-rivalling Giulia executive saloon is one of the best cars in its class to drive, while the closely related Stelvio and smaller Tonale both competes in the booming SUV class.

It’s all a long way from the days when Alfa Romeo just had a couple of dated hatchbacks (the Mito and Giulietta) and the niche 4C sports car in its range.

ALFA ROMEO

Alpine (pronounced 'Al-peen') only makes one model, but if you’re in the market for a sports car, this French brand is worthy of your attention.

Its A110 is one of the best-handling cars on sale today. And while it’s not especially powerful, it’s still properly quick, thanks to its low weight.

The looks and character of today’s A110 were inspired by a legendary namesake that won the first ever World Rally Championship back in 1973. But the new car is undoubtedly a worthy successor.

ALPINE

Yes, Aston Martin is the preferred manufacturer of a certain (not so) secret agent, but its latest cars offer a lot more than the chance to indulge your Bond fantasies.

The DB12 is a very fast and very luxurious long distance cruiser, and the DBS is arguably one of the most glamorous cars around.

Proving it's not afraid to move with the times, Aston has also embraced&nbsp;the march of the SUV; its DBX707 is a stunning example of what's possible when building a fast, expensive and sporty SUV.

ASTON MARTIN

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

In many ways, modern Bentleys offer the best of both worlds, blending traditional British craftsmanship with modern mechanicals developed with the help of the company’s owner, Volkswagen.

The Bentayga SUV, for example, is closely related to Audi’s brilliantly engineered Q7 (another VW Group car). Yet the Bentayga still feels every inch a Bentley, thanks to its hand-finished interior and sonorous V8 engine.

Other Bentleys you can buy today include the Flying Spur&nbsp;saloon&nbsp;and the Continental GT coupé and convertible.

BENTLEY

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Chevrolet in the UK has been through several incarnations. In the 2000s, it brought its evocative&nbsp;name to bear on a series of rather humdrum Vauxhall-derived hatchbacks and SUVs.

Chevrolet largely&nbsp;withdrew from Europe in 2015 after struggling to make an impact, but used examples do at least have the virtue of being incredibly cheap.

Today, the only 'Chevy' you can buy in the UK&nbsp;is the Corvette - a sports car that has all the emotion and drama you'd expect.

&nbsp;

CHEVROLET

Chrysler has built an eclectic range of cars over the years – everything from radically styled hatchbacks and brash, all-American saloons, to small family cars and boxy yet hugely practical people carriers.

It decided to pull out of the UK in 2015, after struggling with declining sales. However, there are still some Chrysler models that are worth considering if you’re buying used.

The Grand Voyager, for example, is one of the few MPVs that has room for luggage even when all seven of its seats are occupied, while the 300C – based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class – is a refreshing alternative to the traditional executive saloon choices.

CHRYSLER

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

CITROEN

The sportiest Seats have long used the&nbsp;Cupra name, but it's now been turned into a standalone sub-brand, in much the same way as Fiat's sportiest models are badged as Abarths.

Like Abarth, some of Cupra's models including the Ateca and Leon are extensively reworked Seats, but models such as the Born and Formentor are exclusive to Cupra.

Whilst Cupras are closely related to equivalent models from Seat and Volkswagen, they are generally tuned to provide a more engaging driving experience.

CUPRA

Daihatsu specialises in building small, budget cars, and while it pulled out of the UK market in 2011 when the strong yen made it impossible for it to make a profit here, there are still plenty of its models on the used market.

The best of the lot is the Charade hatchback, which feels perfectly suited to city driving and is surprisingly spacious for something so small. However, its back catalogue also includes the tiny Terios and Fourtrak SUVs and the Copen convertible, which featured a Mercedes-Benz SLK-style folding metal roof.

DAIHATSU

DS has only existed as a standalone manufacturer since 2015&nbsp;(prior to that the badge was used on upmarket&nbsp;Citroëns), but it is now the premium brand in the Stellantis group, which also includes&nbsp;Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall.

The first DS models were essentially rebadged Citroëns, but more recently its cars are now standalone models in their own right. Yet under the skin, they're still very closely related.

Its models are&nbsp;influenced by the French fashion industry and are designed&nbsp;to take on the ubiquitous offerings of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

One of the world’s most famous brands and an integral part of the Formula 1 grid since the first championship in 1950, Ferrari fully lives up to its exalted reputation, producing some of the best sports cars money can buy.

Its entry-level model (although that term hardly seems appropriate) is the Portofino convertible, which is powered by a twin-turbo V8 and capable of blasting from 0-62mph in 3.5sec.

Then further up the range you find the mid-engined 488s, in coupé and Spider forms, and two GT cars: the GTC4 Lusso and the appropriately named 812 Superfast, a V12 monster that can hit 211mph.

FERRARI

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

FIAT

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

Infiniti is to Nissan what Lexus is to Toyota: the premium arm of a mainstream car maker.

Infiniti’s current model range includes the Q30 hatchback, Q50 executive saloon and Q60 coupé, all of which go head to head with cars from the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. There’s also the QX30, a small SUV.

The brand has so far struggled to make a big impact on British buyers due to high prices, but most of the time that’s partially offset by a long list of standard equipment.

Future plans include a new range of electric vehicles and a smart petrol engine that is said to offer diesel-like fuel economy.

INFINITI

If you’re in the market for a pick-up truck, chances are you’ll have heard of Isuzu. The Japanese brand makes buses and lorries for markets all over the world, but it’s most famous for the D-Max.

A rival to the Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Navara and Volkswagen Amarok, the D-Max pick-up is aimed at drivers who need rugged go-anywhere ability and lots of space, and for whom a conventional SUV just won’t cut it.

ISUZU

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

Jeep only makes SUVs, but it has plenty of them for you to choose from. So, whether you want something rugged enough to ford streams and climb mountains, or a more luxurious and family-friendly car, it has something to suit you.

Despite its all-American image, Jeep is actually owned by Fiat, meaning Jeeps often share parts with cars from the Italian giant; the entry-level Renegade, for example, has plenty in common with Fiat’s 500X.

However, perhaps the most widely recognised Jeep is the Wrangler, a model that has a dedicated fan base and which closely resembles the original Jeep which saw service in World War 2.

The brand’s future plans include new small and large SUVs, plus the introduction of fully electric models.

JEEP

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

Lamborghinis have been adorning bedroom posters since the mid-1960s. Not bad for a company whose origins lie in making tractors.

Today, Lamborghini is part of the Volkswagen Group, and as well as bolstering its core sports car portfolio, it has branched out to launch the Urus – a luxurious SUV that’s a rival to the similarly rapid Bentley Bentayga W12 and Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

LAMBORGHINI

Land Rover is synonymous with SUVs, and especially with the Defender – the rugged runabout that has seen service in war zones across the world, but also as part of the Queen’s personal garage.

If off-road prowess is one of Land Rover’s core values, though, the other is luxury. Indeed, the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar are among the best luxury SUVs you can buy.

The Discovery, meanwhile, is a practical rival for the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, while the stylish Evoque (which is available as a three-door convertible as well as a traditional SUV) goes head to head with Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1.

In the coming years, we’ll see a new road-biased ‘Road Rover’ as well as an all-new Defender.

LAND ROVER

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

Fancy something small, lightweight and fast? Then Lotus possibly has the right car for you. In fact ‘simplify then add lightness’ was the mantra of company founder Colin Chapman as far back as 1952.

These days, Lotus sells four models, with the core of the range being the Elise. Then there’s the more hardcore 3-Eleven, the sporty Exige and the Evora – which is pitched as a rival to the Porsche Cayman.

Big changes are afoot, though, because Lotus plans to build its own SUV in the near future, with the hope of broadening the brand’s appeal to families. The planned car will use Volvo underpinnings and will tackle rivals such as the Porsche Macan and Maserati Levante.

LOTUS

Do you look at the models of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz and find them all a bit too… common? Well then, Maserati might be up your street.

This Italian car maker has one SUV in its line-up – the Porsche Cayenne-rivalling Levante – but also the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons, GranTurismo coupé and GranCabrio drop-top.

Despite its long history, Maserati has been through several periods of inactivity but is now in better health thanks to being part of the large Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group.

In the future, we’re expecting to see Maserati grow its SUV range with new models to sit above and below the Levante, as well as a new range-topping sports car.

MASERATI

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

One of the most famous names on British roads, MG is owned by Chinese firm SAIC these days and it's slowly beginning to rebuild its model line-up.

At present, just two cars are offered: the MG 6, which aims to match cars like the Skoda Octavia on space while beating them on price, and the Ford Fiesta-rivalling MG 3. Both cars look good value for money, but resale values have been an issue, as well as cabin quality and the tax bills created by relatively high CO2 emissions.

Things could improve with the arrival of the GS, a Nissan Qashqai-rivalling SUV that will bring a new transmission and new turbocharged petrol engines, as well as a revised diesel motor. It's scheduled to go on sale in 2016 - although it wouldn't be the first MG to have been delayed during the brand's rebirth.

MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.

Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.

While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.

MG MOTOR UK

Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.

Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.

The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.

MINI

While Mitsubishi sells both the Mirage hatchback and the L200 pick-up truck in the UK, the core of its range is in SUVs – handy, since this is one of the largest markets worldwide.

There’s an SUV to suit everyone, too. If you’re a company car driver, the Outlander PHEV mixes low fuel bills with a spacious interior. The ASX, meanwhile, is attractively priced against key rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai and Seat Ateca. Or, if you prefer mud to asphalt, the Shogun offers genuine off-road ability.

More SUVs are on the way, too, including one that’s rumoured to bring back the ‘Evo’ name made famous in rallying.

MITSUBISHI

Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.

Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.

Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.

Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.

NISSAN

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

Polestar is a relative newcomer to the new car market, having been born as a motorsport team later bought by Volvo. Today it produces a range of upmarket, fully-electric vehicles and as a brand now sits independently of Volvo.

Its models are given numerical names, and unusually these don’t denote the size of the model, rather they indicate the order in which they’re launched. The now-discontinued Polestar 1 was the firm’s first model and the Polestar 2 is an executive hatchback which is a direct rival for the Tesla Model 3. The Polestar 3 is an electric SUV, Polestar 4 a coupé and Polestar 5 a performance car.

Polestar has a focus on sustainability: in 2020 was the first car maker to release a study to show the carbon footprint of its cars, and in 2021 it started a project to ensure rare-Earth materials such as cobalt – used in many electric car batteries – are sourced responsibly.

POLESTAR

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

When Proton sold cars in the UK, it highlighted their low-cost, no-nonsense appeal. Sadly for them, neither What Car?’s testers nor many buyers were won over – but that does mean that those now found on the used market can be exceptionally cheap to both buy and run.

Buyers are most likely investigating one of a trio of different-sized hatchbacks (the Satria, Neo or Savvy) or two saloons: the even more oddly named Impian and Wira.

Highlights beyond the low asking prices include the fact that the cars were often generously equipped compared with rivals, in a bid to woo buyers, and sometimes comparatively spacious too.

While used cars for sale now will be out of warranty, Proton offered generous cover on its cars when they were new, suggesting that it was confident they would last. Anecdotal evidence supports this claim, although not enough owners have responded to the annual What Car? Reliability Survey for us to offer a verified view.

PROTON

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

RENAULT

When it comes to making a statement about how successful you are, there is no brand that shouts “I’ve made it!” more emphatically than Rolls-Royce.

If that’s all you want from your car, look no further. The firm has expanded its range in recent years, with the top-of-the-range Phantom saloon being joined by the Cullinan SUV, and other models including the Wraith and Ghost.

Whichever way you go, if you have to ask how much it costs, the chances are you can’t afford it. And, even then, the base price is unlikely to be what you end up spending, such is the list of alluring options on offer.

It’s also a moot point whether the cars themselves – rather than the image they portray – represents the very best way to spend your money. What Car?’s testers rate all of them positively but reckon that – if you’re buying with your head rather than your heart – there are other cars that you should also consider.

ROLLS-ROYCE

Once a bastion of the British car industry, Rover is no longer a going concern anywhere but in the used car market.

For the canny buyer, that can be as good news as it is for the enthusiastic collectors of the firm’s finer models. Some of the cars from its later history remain in reasonable supply, can prove mechanically sound and come at rock-bottom prices.

Most collectable of them all is the Rover Mini, but for those looking to buy some no-nonsense transport for pocket money, the likes of the 25, 75, CityRover and Streetwise can make sound investments, especially if you can find later examples that aren’t yet overwhelmed by having covered giant mileages.

ROVER

Find a good example and Saabs make famously great used cars; they are generally well priced, well equipped and reliable.

The firm was declared bankrupt in 2012, so any used models on the market are now generally old and at the budget end of the spectrum.

Barring collectors’ curiosities, you’ll find the 9-3 and larger 9-5 filling the classifieds, in saloon, estate and convertible variants. Petrol and diesel options are available, and the brand’s long-time link-up with parent firm General Motors means that they were generally well equipped.

Prices vary significantly according to age, mileage and condition, but there are certainly some bargains to be had if you compare what your money will buy you against that of comparable rivals.

SAAB

Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.

In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.

But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.

While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.

SEAT

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

Owned by Mercedes-Benz and with a reputation for making small, clever cars, Smart offers a striking, upmarket alternative to more conventional rivals.

It currently has a two-car line-up, the smaller of the two being the distinctive Fortwo, which, as its name suggests, is an ultra-short two-seater that uses an unusual rear-engined configuration to deliver the sort of turning circle that even London taxis can only dream of. It's a doddle to park in small spaces, too.

Smart's 'family car' is the Forfour, which is little more than a stretched version of the Fortwo, with a second row of seats and a larger boot. It's more of a natural rival for cars like the Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto.

On paper, both cars come at a considerable price premium when compared with rivals, something it says is justified by its badge appeal and the technology in the cars.&nbsp;However, sales have been slow and there are often keen Target Price deals to be found.

SMART

Formerly known as Ssangyong, KGM's range is dominated by&nbsp;SUVs (as well as a single pick-up), most of which are below the class average standard, but all of which have merits, including the&nbsp;practicality they offer for the money.

The highlight of the current line-up is&nbsp;the Korando, a Nissan Qashqai rival that offers all the space of that car but for a price closer to the much smaller Nissan Juke’s. It also&nbsp;has decent engines, but it’s let down a bit by interior quality, high running costs and poor resale values.

SSANGYONG

Once best known for its flame-spitting, rally-bred Imprezas, Subaru’s focus now is on cars that will appeal to a far wider audience, and especially one that values go-anywhere ability and no-nonsense values above all others.

The result is a mixed bag of offerings, none of which rise beyond being average in their class but most of which have facets that make them stand out from their rivals. Core to its range are the Forester and Outback SUVs, while the Levorg is a more conventional estate.

At other extremes, there’s also the BRZ, an entertaining coupé that is let down by its price and resale values, and of course the Impreza, which comes in a variety of forms, including a hot model.

SUBARU

Suzuki is well known as a motorcycle manufacturer, but the car brand has been enjoying decent success in recent years, thanks to a line-up of neat, well-equipped and keenly priced models.

Its expertise focuses on smaller cars, although its high-riding SUV range is also hugely credible, especially the Ignis and Vitara, which are both rated highly by What Car?’s testers and which have enjoyed success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

Well priced, decent to drive and full of useful tech, Suzuki’s cars also generally stand out for delivering good fuel economy. The Ignis, Celerio and Baleno have all stood head and shoulders above the competition during our True MPG testing.

SUZUKI

Tesla is a US brand&nbsp;that revolutionised&nbsp;the car industry, putting <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars</a> in the limelight&nbsp;for the first time – helped by the personality and profile of boss Elon Musk.

Today, Tesla has a broader&nbsp;line-up than ever, with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a> saloon&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a> SUV the company's cheapest models. For those with bigger budgets or a need for more space, there's the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/review/n150">Tesla Model S</a> saloon and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-x/hatchback/review/n161">Tesla&nbsp;Model X</a> SUV.&nbsp;A&nbsp;new Roadster, complete with supercar-beating acceleration, is also in the works.

&nbsp;

TESLA

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

NEW REVIEWS:

Dacia reviews

Dacia reviews

6 Dacia video car reviews

Duster 4x4

Used Dacia Duster 2018-present

Used Dacia Duster 2013-2018

Logan Estate

Used Dacia Logan MCV 2013-2020 review

Sandero Hatchback

Used Dacia Sandero 2021-present review

Used Dacia Sandero 2013-2020

Sandero Stepway Hatchback

Used Dacia Sandero Stepway 2013-present

Dacia

Dacia Links

Quick search

Tools & services

Legal bits

Information