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...

Is there a better looking hatchback (or affordable saloon) out there than the latest Mazda 3? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, of course, but we're utterly convinced it's easily as desirable as premium brand rivals such as the BMW 1 Series , Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class .  The 3's...

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...

Mechanically speaking, the SEAT Ibiza is almost identical to the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia . However, this Ibiza is a smidgen shorter than the previous model but, narrow garage owners please note, it is 87mm wider and has a slightly longer wheelbase. This means benefits for ride comfort...

The Skoda Fabia has always been a sensible choice of small car and the latest incarnation keeps up the tradition. It’s reasonably priced, cheap to run, comfortable and practical, but gets an added dash of upmarket appeal thanks to new Skoda family styling and extra technology, including standard DAB...

The Audi A3 Sportback of 2013 is a 5-door family hatchback for drivers seeking a little more status than from a Ford Focus or even a VW Golf.  Sharing engienes, drivetrains and MQB inegrated subframes with the VW Golf BII, SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia it's good to drive, refined and extremely practical,...