There was a time when a hybrid Toyota was a sensible but uninspiring choice of family car. The old Toyota Auris is a prime example of that - dependable and cheap-to-run, yes, but lacking even the slightest hint of charisma. But the latest Toyota Corolla is genuinely a very good car. There are no...

The Hyundai Ioniq was conceived as a rival to the Toyota Prius, but with a significant trick up its sleeve – the choice of hybrid , plug-in hybrid or pure electric versions. That means there is a model to suit different drivers, whether they only cover short distances or regularly rack up lots...

The Toyota Auris is a car for non-car people, right? The kind of family hatchback you buy when you want to get from A to B with the minimal amount of fuss. A car lacking in flair, imagination and excitement. Maybe so, but who’s to say that the non-car people have got it wrong? Research the purchase...

The Lexus CT 200h was billed as the world’s first hybrid to be launched in the premium hatchback market. The Japanese firm used technology from the Toyota Prius and applied it to a model that sits alongside the likes of the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3. It’s powered by a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine...

Think back to 2011, if you can. That was a long time ago, and the world was a very different place. David Cameron hadn’t long been appointed Prime Minister, the charts were being monopolised by a newly-formed band named One Direction, and although most of the fighting had finished, the Iraq war was...

It might not be as smooth or as comfortable as a Toyota Prius but the Honda Insight is certainly a frugal and easy-to-drive family car. It’s a good choice for those who need more space than you find in a small hatchback, but who still want a town-friendly, smooth and fuel-efficient car. Those who travel...