Secret small family cars of 2006 - What the newcomers will have to beat

Skoda Octavia
Our reigning Small Family Car of the Year is as well built and as good to drive as most of its more established rivals, but huge interior space, an enormous boot and bargain basement prices explain why the Octavia is our current favourite. An excellent reliability record and superb customer care complete an exceptional package.

Volkswagen Golf
One of the Golf’s main strengths is a superb drive, not something that could be said of the previous model. What’s more, it’s solidly put together, safe, spacious enough for a family of four and an excellent ownership proposition. It’s only higher prices and slightly inferior space provision that place the Golf below the Octavia in our affections.

Ford Focus
The Focus delivers the most rewarding drive of any small family car on sale, with bullish grip, excellent body control and a wide range of engines. Not only that, its spacious, practical and good value for money. The Focus is let down by poor refinement, however, and cabin quality is questionable when compared with rivals'.