BMW 3-Series

Improving on the excellent fourth-generation 3-Series was, arguably, the biggest challenge facing the recently launched fifth generation 3. Bigger in every direction than the car it replaces, the 3-Series represents a mature and gently progressive evolution of a winning formula. The car remains the dynamic leader in the class, with a hugely competent and sporting chassis.

The quality of build and materials remains sky high, guaranteeing strong residuals and an excellent long-term ownership proposition.
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Mazda 5

The hugely versatile Mazda 5 is unique among MPVs with its 6+1 seating arrangement. Six full-size seats are fitted in a 2+2+2 arrangement, with an additional fold-down seat between the middle pair.

It shares its platform with the Mazda 3 and Ford Focus as well as the Focus C-MAX Compact MPV and is surprisingly good to drive. Two petrol engines and a couple of strong diesels are available. Decent spec levels and strong pricing make the 5 an excellent choice for those looking for a really practical family car that's not dull-as-ditchwater to drive.
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Vauxhall Zafira

By cleverly evolving what was already a brilliant package, Vauxhall has created a new class leader. There is more space on offer in the Zafira, too, which means tall adults can comfortably occupy all three rows of seats. And the brilliant Flex 7 seating system, which allows the third row of seats to fold flat into the floor in seconds, has been carried over unchanged.

Vauxhall has also addressed one of our more serious concerns about Zafira - its EuroNCAP crash rating has gone from a poor three stars to the maximum five stars. It's child protection rating has also been hugely improved and is now a match for the best in class. The fact that perceived quality and the driving experience have been improved is just a bonus.

The mad VXR version is a hoot.
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Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Shrunken S-Class styling for the all-new C, which goes on sale in saloon form in June. Three petrol and two diesel options available initially, with more choices coming in September. An estate follows in the autumn.

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Mazda CX-7

Mid-summer launch for the 260bhp turbocharged SUV. Engine is the 2.3-litre petrol from the Mazda6 MPS and there's plenty of dynamic verve. Likely to cost around £25,000; diesel not arriving until 2008.

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AC Ace

There are doubts that this reborn Smart Roadster will come to fruition, but the Project Kimber website is still promising a 2007 launch for both coupes and drop-tops. The Kimber consortium has secured the licence to the historic AC badge plus all the original tooling from Smart's Hambach factory. Revisions to the original include the latest Mitsubishi-supplied three-cylinder engine and a proper manual gearbox.

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Toyota Yaris

The latest Yaris is more of an evolution than a revolution, but if it ain't broke… Three engines are on offer, with the diesel the star of the show. All are supremely easy to drive with the manual gearbox (we'd recommend avoiding the clutchless sequential versions). The Yaris can also cope with the open motorway as well as it can urban runabouts.

An entirely sensible choice that should prove reliable and a pleasure to own and run over the longer term.

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Peugeot 207

With the Clio losing any element of fun or style with its latest iteration, we have Peugeot to thank for bringing some much-needed Gallic flair to the humdrum supermini sector with the 207. Thankfully, it also drives as well as it looks, with the GT and GTi versions delivering the most fun.

An excellent result in the EuroNCAP crash tests shows that you don’t have to sacrifice fun to be safe.


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Vauxhall Corsa

Forget the middle-of-the-road Corsa, the new supermini from Vauxhall couldn't be further removed from the old model. With sharp styling and some cracking engines – the 1.3-litre diesels are very good indeed – the Corsa is now a credible contender. Even though it'll be as common as muck, at least this time around all those learner drivers and boy racers will be driving something pretty decent - the VXR version is an absolute screamer.

It's great value for money too, so there's no reason for you not getting onboard.

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Ford Mondeo

Best Large Family Cars

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Fiat 500

It's a perfect blend of cute retro looks, fun handling and four seats

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Volkswagen Fox

The Fox is Volkswagen's no-frills entry-level car, designed for those to whom a car is more of a tool rather than a life-long dream. But don't let that put you off as it has excellent interior space and practicality, all wrapped up in a no-nonsense exterior. Two engines are offered in two trim levels. Keenly priced and not too shabby to drive either. Well worth a look.

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Fiat Panda

Awarded European Car of the Year in 2004, the Panda was indeed a worthy winner. Despite compact dimensions, it has a roomy, versatile interior, and unlike so many budget cars, it is fun to drive with lively engines and responsive handling. And it is affordable to buy, good value for money and cheap to run, with low insurance groupings and economical engines.

Reassuringly solid, the Panda is not overly complex and its components are well-proven. Very user-friendly and an ideal urban runabout that can hold its own on the motorway or even, in the 4x4 version, off road altogether. There's even a hot hatch version for those looking for some cheap thrills.

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Citroen C1/Peugeot 107/Toyota Aygo

These three models are the product of a joint venture between Toyota, Peugeot and Citroen and are near identical save for bumpers and lights. All have bundles of character even though they've obviously been built down to a price.

Engineered and built to Toyota standards, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the quality of fit and finish. A four-star Euro NCAP crash test result is the best in the class, and all three offer an excellent ride-and-handling compromise as well as reasonable performance from the three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine.

Three and five-door variants are available and both C1 and Aygo can be specified with a diesel engine. Taking account of standard and optional equipment variations, all three are similar value, so its really down to which dealer you prefer.

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