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...

While the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra are the obvious choices in a crowded segment, the Mazda 3 is the best of the rest. What makes it so good? We’ll start with the styling, which looks chiselled and honed to within an inch of perfection, particularly following the facelift at...

With the popularity of the BMW 1 Series there were big expectations for the A3 which faced more competition than ever before. The good news is that it didn’t disappoint. The styling is familiar. Audi was not especially daring with the design but it echoes other Audi models and is a neat and unfussy...

In the beginning was the Ford, and the Ford was a Focus. The rather unassuming hatchback has become the default choice for many and a car against which everything else is measured. Look up 'affordable family hatchback' in that imaginary dictionary everyone goes on about and you'll see a picture of a...

The Nissan Leaf has secured a chapter in the big book of motoring history. It popularised the concept of electric motoring, taking the EV into the mainstream. Before the Leaf, an electric car meant a small driving range, limited practicality and high prices. There was also the problem of a small...

The Citroen C4 was a model that played things safe, sacrificing radical styling in a bid to lure in buyers of more mainstream small hatches . The result, sadly, was a car that lacks sparkle and felt dated on launch next to alternatives such as the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra ....